By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
SALISBURY ó Sandra Long gets a bit emotional when she thinks of the people who utilize services from United Way. She donates to the campaign annually to help those in need.
Having her name drawn for the campaignís car giveaway is just a bonus.
ěI get emotional about it because the United Way helps so many people and I believe in it. Thatís what we are all here for, to help each other,î Long said.
Long, who works for the Rowan County Health Department, has been giving to the campaign for more than 22 years. Sheís always given through work.
ěYou never know when you might be on the receiving end, because your house may burn down or have an elderly parent who might need adult day care or you might want your children to be in Scouts,î she said.
When Long received notification that her name was drawn, she was excited.
Between Longís two sons, one in college and the other who works at the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, thereís a lot of miles on her car.
If she won, sheíd give them the new car to drive.
Gerald Norman first found out his name has been pulled through his personnel manager at Parkdale Mills.
ěI always gave my best every year. The United Way is a good thing and they do a lot of good things for people,î Norman said.
ěIím a true believer of the United Way,î he said.
Heís undecided what heíll do if he wins.
ěI havenít thought that far at this point,î Norman said.
Heís a regular contributor to the campaign.
Heís a supervisor at the plant and encourages others to give.
Tammy Surratt, who works for Rowan Regional Medical Center, found out her name had been drawn from Don Sedgely, who was at the United Way report meeting on Wednesday.
ěI thought it was a joke,î she said.
Surratt emailed Sedgely to confirm the news was true.
Sheís been a regular contributor for about 25 years, she said.
ěItís an extremely worthy cause that needs all the support and those that can contribute should contribute,î Surratt said.
Surratt said she hasnít thought of what sheíll do if she won the car.
The United Way campaign grand finale celebration will be held at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Norvell Theater.
Contact reporter Shavonne Potts at 704-797-4253.