By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
All of his life, Wilson Cherry’s parents worked hard to provide for him and his brothers. When his father was injured on the job, the family lost their home.
He was 12 when the Salvation Army made it possible for his family to have Christmas dinner, clothes and his 5-year-old brother to have toys.
The Salvation Army is just one of the 17 partner agencies with the Rowan County United Way. Cherry told of his experiences at Wednesday’s campaign report meeting. The meeting was held at Gerry Wood Auto Centre.
Throughout different times in his life and those around him, the United Way has helped. Cherry is the director of life skills and job placement manager with Rowan Vocational Opportunities Inc.
Just three weeks ago Cherry again needed the help of a United Way partner agency. He was involved in a collision, his car overturned four times and he had to be cut from the vehicle.
The Rowan County Rescue Squad, a partner agency, cut him out.
He spoke of the Boy Scouts of America who “still teach honesty and integrity,” in a world where prayer is no longer allowed in schools, Cherry said.
An employee at Rowan Vocational Opportunities was in a car accident and needed nine units of blood. The American Red Cross, another partner agency, made it possible for him to get the needed blood.
“The hand extended to receive is always in the best position to give,” Cherry said.
He said the campaign is about neighbors helping neighbors.
The campaign has slightly increased since last week with 37.1 percent or $659,722.59 of the total goal of $1,776,000.
The following are the amount of money raised thus far:
– President’s ó $66,848 or 23.9 percent.
– Special Gifts ó $100,149 or 73.1 percent.
– Professionals ó $62,017 or 59.6 percent.
– Chairmans ó $110,924 or 24.8 percent.
– Public Employees ó $111,910 or 86.1 percent.
– Community Business ó $2,788 or 55.8 percent.
– Industrial I ó $9,908 or 11.9 percent.
– Industrial II ó $43,217 or 50.8 percent.
– Commercial I ó $24,241 or 37.3 percent.
– Commercial II ó $24,573 or 28.9 percent.
– Commercial III ó $33,016 or 42.9 percent.
– Education ó $39,086 or 17.8 percent.
– Miscellaneous ó $33,100 or 57 percent.
The two names drawn for the car giveaway were, Dr. Dennis Hill, a Salisbury neurologist and Nancy Mott, with Catawba College.