BY NELSON GRANADE

We all have heard the following quote from Mr. Rogers: “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ ”

So much of the news these days is negative, but I think it is time we focus on some positive news locally. I’m proud to say the charities, businesses, churches, and governments in our community continue to step up to meet the everyday needs of this community. United Way of Iredell County nonprofits have stepped up in many specific ways as well.

For example:

♦ Seniors continue to receive regular deliveries of hot meals at home;
♦ Children are still receiving grief counseling after a close loved one passes away;
♦ Meals are available to be picked up by a single father when needed;
♦ Trained volunteers continue to show up at accident scenes across the county; and
♦ Young children continue to develop and stretch the limits of their brains through challenging play tasks and formal education times.

Why is it possible for these services to continue?

It’s because of the support these nonprofits receive locally through organizations and individuals who give to United Way of Iredell County. From March 2020 through June 2021, United Way of Iredell County has awarded funds to nonprofits who have completed more than 110,000 helping tasks for our community. This is remarkable! Let’s celebrate that huge win along with our neighbors.

This year the goal of United Way of Iredell County is to continue to assist in the recovery of our community. The only way the larger than average gaps in coverage (from Covid-19, of course) will be filled is by having individuals like you make a pledge to give. One thing I know for sure is that “United, We Make a Difference.”

Over the next several weeks, we have an opportunity to work together with Iredell Free News to shine a spotlight on the great work occurring at our agency partners through a series of short video. These spotlights came through generous corporate sponsors, but the work they highlight came about because of people just like you.

I invite you to join me in being helpers by donating generously at any time by visiting UWIredell.org and clicking the “Donate” button in the top right corner. Or you can also text UWIredell  to the number 41444 to be sent a direct link.

Dr. Nelson Granade is the 2021 Community Campaign Chairman for the United Way of Iredell County.