The United Way of Coastal Carolina received a big gift from Carolina Panthers veteran defensive lineman Julius Peppers for hurricane relief in the most devastated part of his home state.
The Julius Peppers Hurricane Relief Fund gifted $100,000 to North Carolina communities affected by Hurricane Florence. Walmart gift cards in $50 increments were distributed through United Ways in counties highly impacted by the September storm, with United Way of Coastal Carolina receiving $20,000 allocated for Carteret, Craven, Jones and Pamlico Counties.
The gift cards were distributed through several local agencies, including Carteret, Craven, Jones and Pamlico County Schools, Area Agencies on Aging in all four counties, Catholic Charities, Craven County Disaster Recovery Alliance, Mediation Center of Eastern NC, The Bridge DownEast, and HeartWorks.
“United Way of Coastal Carolina wishes to express our sincere appreciation to Julius Peppers, the Carolina Panthers and the Foundation for the Carolinas for their generosity in supporting our communities as we recover from Hurricane Florence,” UWCC executive director Sandra Phelps stated. “This gift had a positive and immediate impact for many individuals and families in our area who are recovering from devastating losses.”
The United Way of Coastal Carolina had its beginnings in the Coastal Carolina area in 1957. What started as just a fundraising organization many years ago, has developed into an organization focused on measurable, long-lasting results focused on the local community’s most compelling needs. Education, Income and Health are the three major areas of focus. Currently there are 14 funded programs serving individuals in Carteret, Craven, Jones and Pamlico Counties. Funds are raised locally to fund local programs. For more information visit www.unitedwaycoastalnc.org.
Submitted by: Sandra Phelps, United Way of Coastal Carolina