United Way Helps Salvation Army with Food Program

Wentworth - United Way of Rockingham County awarded an emergency grant of $5,000 to the Salvation Army of Rockingham County Friday, December 12, 2008. The grant will help the Salvation Army meet the great need for food for Rockingham County citizens who are struggling because of the economy.

The Salvation Army of Rockingham County has over 400 families who are waiting for food boxes that it does not have food for at this time. The grant will enable the Salvation Army of Rockingham County provide food boxes for approximately 60 families that is could not feed before the grant was awarded.

The grant was made possible by an emergency fund that has been set up by the United Way County Board of Directors to help people in Rockingham County who are in need because of the economy or natural disaster.

This is the second time within a month that the fund has been used to help Rockingham County citizens who are suffering because of the economy. Recently, the United Way of Rockingham County granted $5,000 to the Rockingham County Chapter of the American Red Cross to restock its food pantry through January 30, 2009.

United Way of Rockingham County has expended 2/3 of its emergency fund, and must make it’s 2008 campaign goal of $900,000 in order to help its 20 agencies continue to provide the level of services that our neighbors in Rockingham County need. As of December 5, 2008 United Way of Rockingham County had raised $453,000 (50.1%) of its $900,000 goal.

“We don’t want our agencies to have to turn people away because the agencies do not have adequate funds to provide for people in need,” said Rick Hurley, Executive Director.

If you would like more information on how you can support the United Way of Rockingham County with a contribution, call (336) 342-7768 or visit www.uwrockingham.org.