MOORE COUNTY, N.C. — United Way of Moore County is asking local residents to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary by helping their neighbors through its “250 Neighbors for 250 Years” campaign.
The organization hopes to receive donations from 250 individual Moore County residents and raise a combined $25,000 by Labor Day.
Donations will support United Way programs and community partnerships focused on education, health and financial stability across Moore County.
What is 250 Neighbors for 250 Years?
The campaign connects the country’s 250th anniversary with the role neighbors have played in building and supporting American communities.
United Way of Moore County President Linda Pearson said the organization wants to recognize people who show up, contribute and take care of others when help is needed.
The campaign’s structure reflects that message. Instead of relying on a small number of large contributions, United Way is attempting to bring together 250 individual donors around one shared community goal.
Organizers have not established a required donation amount for each participant. Every gift will count toward the $25,000 fundraising target and the goal of engaging 250 Moore County neighbors.
How United Way donations will be used
Money raised through 250 Neighbors for 250 Years will not be limited to a single program. The donations will support work across United Way of Moore County’s three primary areas of focus:
- Education: Programs designed to help local children and families succeed
- Health: Services supporting physical, mental and community well-being
- Financial stability: Resources intended to help Moore County residents build more secure lives
That flexible funding allows United Way to respond to different community needs and support partner organizations providing direct services to Moore County residents.
Campaign leads into September kickoff
The summer fundraising effort will lead into United Way of Moore County’s 2026 campaign kickoff on Sept. 2.
The kickoff is expected to include a fire-truck pull organized with the Southern Pines Fire Department. The team event will offer another opportunity for local businesses, organizations and residents to support United Way’s community work.
How Moore County residents can participate
Residents interested in becoming one of the 250 donors can contribute through the United Way of Moore County website.
The organization is encouraging participants to share the campaign with friends, family members and coworkers before the Labor Day deadline.
United Way leaders say the ultimate purpose of 250 Neighbors for 250 Years is larger than the numerical goal. The campaign is intended to demonstrate what can happen when individual residents work together to support education, health and financial stability in their own community.
Source: United Way of Moore County and original reporting by Sandhills Sentinel.
