mainline department store company, has partnered with United Way of
Central Carolinas for its "GET COOL 4 SCHOOL" campaign. Belk will
donate more than 3,300 new school uniforms to students in need in
three counties – Cabarrus, Mecklenburg and Union. Events will be
held in all three counties.
"This was a natural fit for Belk," said Bill Roberts, northern
division chair of Belk. "As one of United Way's top 10 corporate
supporters, we're committed to United Way and the people they help in
our hometown. We also have a strong interest in education and the
academic success of students in our communities. When we heard about
the number of children who can't afford uniforms and need assistance,
we were quick to offer our full backing."
The partnership, which began last year in five schools in Mecklenburg
County, has become a multi-year initiative. This year's higher-
profile push is addressing the needs in several of United Way's five-
county footprint and has expanded the contribution from 2,000 uniforms
last year to more than 3,300 this year. The total retail value of the
donated uniforms is $175,000.
Uniform announcement events will be held in the following locations:
• Cabarrus County/Kannapolis City - Donation of 825 Uniforms
Tuesday, Aug. 21 at 9:00 a.m.
Cannon Memorial YMCA │ 101 YMCA Drive │ Kannapolis, N.C. 28081
Partner United Way Funded Agencies: Academic Learning Center and
Cannon Memorial YMCA
Kannapolis City Schools Receiving Uniforms: Fred L. Wilson Elementary,
Shady Brook Elementary, Jackson Park Elementary, and Woodrow Wilson
Elementary
• Mecklenburg County - Donation of 2,025 Uniforms
Tuesday, Aug. 21 at 11:00 a.m
Winterfield Elementary │3100 Winterfield Place│Charlotte, N.C. 28205
Partner United Way Funded Agencies: A Child's Place and Communities in
Schools
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Receiving Uniforms: Ashley Park Academy,
Bruns Academy, Walter G. Byers Academy, Druid Hills Academy, Hidden
Valley Elementary, Montclaire Elementary, Nathaniel Alexander
Elementary, Sedgefield Elementary, Thomasboro Academy, and Winterfield
Elementary
• Union County - Day of Caring and Donation of 529 Uniforms
Saturday, Aug. 25 at 7:30 a.m.
Wingate University | 220 North Camden Road | Wingate, N.C. 28174
Partner United Way Funded Agencies: YWCA and Boys and Girls Club
Union County Schools Receiving Uniforms: Rock Rest Elementary, Walter
Bickett Elementary, East Elementary, Benton Heights Elementary and
others
"We are very appreciative of Belk's contribution to help meet this
great need for these students in our communities," said Jane McIntyre,
executive director of United Way of Central Carolinas. "We're
grateful for Belk's continued partnership and support of United Way
throughout the years. The uniforms will be used by United Way funded
agencies such as A Child's Place, Communities in Schools, YMCA , YWCA,
the Academic Learning Center and Boys and Girls Clubs, to provide a
great start to the school year for students in need. "
About Belk, Inc.
Charlotte, N.C.-based Belk, Inc. (www.belk.com) is the nation's
largest privately owned mainline department store company with 303
Belk stores located in 16 Southern states. The company was founded in
1888 by William Henry Belk in Monroe, N.C., and is in the third
generation of Belk family leadership. Its belk.com Web site offers a
wide assortment of fashion apparel, shoes and accessories for the
entire family along with top name cosmetics, a wedding registry and a
large selection of quality merchandise for the home. To connect with
Belk via Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, blog, mobile phone text messages
or by email, go to: Belk Get Connected.
About United Way of Central Carolinas
United Way of Central Carolinas focuses on three vital areas: Children
& Youth; Housing & Stability; and Health & Mental Health. Through its
90 partner health and human services agencies, United Way creates long-
lasting community change by addressing the underlying causes of
problems, working in Anson, Cabarrus, Charlotte/Mecklenburg,
Mooresville/Lake Norman and Union. To get help, or learn how you can
help, call United Way's 211 hotline, or for more details, please visit www.uwcentralcarolinas.org
.
