Thanks to all who pitched in for program
On April 24, Rowan County leaders came together to assist many individuals affected by layoffs or plant closings. As convener and partner, Rowan County United Way expresses our appreciation to Food Lion, city of Salisbury, Rowan County government, Rowan County YMCA and Rowan Regional Medical Center for supporting those who have lost their jobs.
We would like to thank Food Lion for the generous donation of food. Also, we are grateful to city and county governments for purchasing additional items.
The Layoff Assistance Leadership team is: Kyna Foster (Food Lion), Karen Wilkinson (city of Salisbury), Gary Page and Ken Deal (Rowan County), Zandra Spencer (Rowan Regional Medical Center), Sandy Flowers and Edwin Martin (Rowan County YMCA) and Jackie Harris (Rowan County United Way).
When something was needed, each person and their organization stepped up. J.F. Hurley YMCA was a gracious host. Its membership and staff interrupted their normal activities and supported us throughout the day.
Other leaders who made exceptional commitments of time are Mike West and Larry Lyerly (Salisbury Rowan Utilities), Peggy Dooley-Isley and Woody Weddington (Food Lion), Debbie Holshouser (County of Rowan) who stayed to make sure any undistributed food would be loaded and taken to Salvation Army, Rowan Helping Ministries and Main Street Mission to further assist others affected by future layoffs. Police Chief Mark Wilhelm and Sheriff George Wilhelm sent officers to assist with traffic and parking. The city’s Transportation department provided a shuttle for overflow parking at the Salisbury Mall. John Leatherman and nearby businesses were kind in allowing the use of the adjacent parking areas.
Many partner agencies, including not-for-profits and government departments, provided information on their resources and programs.
Thank you to everyone for cooperating to help one another. I feel truly blessed to be a part of a caring community.
ó Bob Lippard
Salisbury
Bob Lippard is executive director of the United Way of Rowan County.
Correction
Sandy Buechler is director of volunteers for Communities in Schools of Rowan County. Her position with CIS was misstated in the May 3 letters to the editor.