BY DONNA SWICEGOOD
Nine local nonprofit organizations are seeking community support to fund a variety of short-term projects, ranging from providing pet food to home delivery meal clients to giving children books through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.
The agencies were selected for the 2026 Love United Iredell campaign by the United Way of Iredell County.
Love United Iredell, now in its fifth year, is a project-based fundraising effort that runs throughout the month of February.
Projects are chosen through an application process and will be highlighted on the United Way’s social media pages, via podcasts and by appearing on local radio station WAME in the coming weeks.
During a recent kickoff breakfast at The Unity Center, representatives of some of the agencies talked about their projects and their fundraising goals for Love United Iredell.
Nearly half of the agencies chosen for this year’s campaign are newcomers. Four are taking part in Love United Iredell for the first time.
Jennifer Christian, executive director of Crosby Scholars, said Love United Iredell is a great way to raise funds and increase community awareness of the program.
“This Love United project is your opportunity to expose the community to all the great things you are doing,” Christian said.
Jennifer Barraclough, executive director of the Iredell County on Aging, talked about the agency’s project to provide pet food for seniors in the community.
“We provide pet food once a month,” she said. “We often forget how important pets are to us.”
2026 Love United Projects
The agencies and their projects are:
♦ Restoration Road Ministry – Goal is $4,800. The project will serve 18 adults. Binks Landing offers a safe, supportive sober living environment for adults in recovery and provides housing and personalized services. The aim of the project is to sponsor five beds at $400 per month, covering living costs and resources such as educational materials and workbooks. This support will help residents focus on recovery and prepare for independent, stable living.
♦ Crosby Scholars of Iredell County – Goal is $5,000. The project will serve 250 students. “Try It Tuesday” gives high school students hands-on career exploration each summer. Weekly sessions highlight different fields, feature industry experts, real-world activities and guidance on career paths. Past topics include healthcare, IT, law, manufacturing, culinary arts, aviation and more to help students build skills, confidence and connections for their future.
♦ Statesville Family YMCA – Goal is $2,000. This project will serve 60 students. This program is aimed at children ages 13 to 18 in Iredell County and combines practical cooking skills, nutritional information and ongoing mentorship to foster physical health, foster well-being and social connection.
♦ Pharos Parenting – Goal is $4,500. This initiative will serve 100 families. The project will bring a Pharos Parenting coach into two schools to train teachers in Love and Logic for educators to provide practical strategies that reduce discipline issues and increase teaching time. These techniques promote student cooperation and positive discipline in class and at home.
♦ Kintrega Health – Goal is $4,500. This project will serve 407 children. Reach Out and Read integrates early literacy into pediatric care. Kintrega pediatricians provide age-appropriate books during well child visits and encourage parents to read aloud and use books to track development.This evidence-based program promotes language skills, family bonding and school readiness.
♦ Drug Abuse Coalition of Iredell County – Goal is $5,000. This project impacts about 175 students. DACI is creating health and safety kits for high school and early college students to promote well-being and preparedness. The kits will be distributed, with parental permission, to schools and Mitchell Community College.
♦ Fifth Street Ministries – Goal is $5,000. This effort will serve 1,079 adults. The funds will pay for the installation of secure, weather-protected lockers near the dorm entrances for guests to store belongings during the day. The covered area will include staff monitoring, security camera and a paver base for improved safety and aesthetics.
♦ Iredell Council on Aging – Goal is $5,000. This project will serve 50 to 75 adults. Meals on Paws provides pet food, emergency veterinary support and supplies to adults receiving home-delivered meals. This service helps seniors care for their pets despite financial or transportation challenges which reduces stress, helps keep families together and supports healthier aging.
♦ Iredell County Partnership for Young Children – Goal is $4,875. This effort will serve 150 children. The Dolly Parton Imagination Library mails free, high-quality books to children from birth to age 5, fostering early literacy and school readiness. Due to high demand, new enrollment in Iredell County is paused and this project seeks support for 150 children added through last year’s Love United Iredell campaign. Each enrollment requires a five-year commitment to ensure consistent access.
United Way Executive Director Brett Eckerman said the 2026 campaign will shine a spotlight on the participating agencies. Being successful will require a commitment and hard work by the participating agencies.
“What’s going to matter is what you guys do,” he said.
The total goal is $40,675 and will impact 2,750.
LEARN MORE
For more information visit www.LoveUnitedIredell.org.