Sanford receives 'Spirit of North Carolina' Award
The United Way of North Carolina recognized the City of Sanford with the Spirit of North Carolina Award in the Sustainability Through Engagement category at a ceremony held on March 11.
The annual award celebrates people and organizations for their exemplary partnership with the United Way, demonstrated through fundraising and volunteer efforts, outstanding leadership, and creative team building.
The city was nominated by the United Way of Lee County due to the steady growth of the city's United Way campaign — which encourages employees to make an annual contribution.
'The city also has a significant number of Fair Share donors — those contributing one hour's pay per month or 1% of salary,' said Kendra Martin, executive director of United Way of Lee County.
The city's support of community initiatives addressing homelessness and food insecurity was also commended.
'The city is the backbone organization for S3 Housing Connect, a local task force addressing homelessness,' Martin said. 'Additionally, the city has partnered with NC Cooperative Extension's Lee County Center on the Pilgrim's Sanford Agricultural Marketplace, which will help address food insecurity and accessibility issues for people living in or near downtown.'
The award ceremony recognized 14 recipients representing five United Ways in the central North Carolina region. Along with Sanford, the United Way of Lee County also recognized FirstHealth of the Carolinas.
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