Special to Iredell Free News
Six months have passed since the 2021 Love United Iredell program, which raised raised $28,184 for local nonprofit agencies. Here’s a look at how the Love United Iredell campaign impacted our community by supporting the work of Purple Heart Homes:
The Love United Iredell funds helped fund construction of wheelchair ramp project for a service-connected disabled veteran in Iredell County. Students from Career Academy & Technical School in Troutman helped build of the wheelchair ramp and Shepherd Elementary students helped raise money through a coin war at the school.
Local U.S. Air Force veteran Lonnie Smith recently had to have a leg amputation. Before he could come home from the hospital, a wheelchair ramp was needed so he would have the freedom to enter and exit his home easily and safely. Purple Heart Homes also donated a scooter to Lonnie so he could get around his home as well.
Purple Heart Homes held a “Mission Complete” ceremony for Lonnie and his family at their home after the wheelchair ramp project was complete. During the event, Lonnie was given the scooter, and he could be seen racing up and down the driveway with his granddaughter upon his lap.
Purple Heart Homes appreciates the support received from Love United Iredell as well as the efforts of CATS and Shepherd Elementary students and teachers. With this support, admirable veterans like Lonnie can get help the help they deserve to make their house feel more like home.
A big thank you to all 2021 Love United Iredell agencies and community partners! A special thanks to all of our sponsors and partners: Randy Marion Chevrolet of Statesville & Randy Marion Ford Lincoln, 92.9 & 500 WAME Real Country, GG’s Art Frames Gift, Iredell Free News, Record & Landmark, McDonald’s, Doosan Bobcat, and Iredell-Statesville Schools for donating funds to make all 11 of these projects become a reality.
The next Love United Iredell is planned for February 6-20. The United Way will be soliciting applications for participating agencies later this year.
Annual Campaign
The Annual Campaign for United Way of Iredell County is underway. You can make a donation to local nonprofit agencies by sending a text to 41444 with the message UWIredell or through https://bit.ly/UWIredell