ROCKINGHAM — The United Way of Richmond County kicks off its annual campaign Sept. 10 with a Day of Caring, bringing volunteers from all corners of the county together to work on community projects.
Executive Director Michelle Parrish said the event will begin bright and early, at 7:30 a.m. at the Cole Auditorium where 16 partnering agencies will set up and map out the day’s many activities.
Keith Parsons of CommunityOne Bank will greet everyone before the Rev. Steve Crews of Hamlet Church of God of Prophecy gives the invocation.
Sheriff James Clemmons will address the group with a speech in remembrance of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
Parrish will reveal the 2015-16 campaign goal at about 9 a.m. before offering closing remarks. Last year, the campaign raised $281,000. The previous year, the United Way drive netted $250,000.
Door prizes from the partnering agencies will be given before all of the volunteers disperse to their destinations to work in a spirit of community service.
“They like to get an early start,” Parrish said. “This year our volunteers will complete 10 projects — the most we’ve ever had. And we’ll have about 150 volunteers helping to complete the projects.”
At Sandhills Children’s Center and Cordova School, some of the volunteers will tell stories to the children while the others work at tasks such as grounds beautification and painting.
“The Cordova students are learning how to make apple dumplings,” Parrish said. “They are going to give those to the volunteers, and that’s very special.”
Backpack Pals will be stuffing backpacks with extra food for some of the county’s neediest children to take home with them on Fridays throughout the school year.
Habitat for Humanity will be working on a wheelchair ramp and a deck.
The East Rockingham, Hamlet and Ellerbe senior centers will host groups of volunteers who will serve lunch to the seniors and facilitate socializing and games.
The buildings housing Our Daily Bread’s food bank ministry and the Samaritan Colony will be receiving fresh coats of paint.
“And last is a really special project that’s new this year,” Parrish said. “We will be installing free smoke alarms with the American Red Cross. We’re doing about 21, maybe more, that day. What makes this special is it’s an ongoing project that the American Red Cross is working on with local fire departments, medics and other volunteers.”
The free smoke alarms, Parrish said, are available to anyone and everyone who needs one. Residents will receive training on basic fire safety, such as making sure there is a home escape route.
“And these new fire alarms are really cool,” Parrish said. “They have the lithium batteries that last 10 years. This is free. All anyone needs to do is call.”
To request a new, free smoke alarm, call Cynthia Bradley at the American Red Cross at 910-692-8571.
Reach reporter Melonie McLaurin at 910-817-2673 and follow her on Twitter @melonieflomer.