This year, United Way of Rockingham County is celebrating 80 years of giving in our community. The celebrations started with the annual Campaign Kickoff at the place where it all began...Chinqua-Penn Plantation.

In 1927, Mrs. Betsy Penn organized Rockingham County's own Community Chest and hosted the first campaign kickoff at her home in Reidsville. She would continue to host the campaign kickoff at Chinqua-Penn for many years to come.

Because of her leadership, the foundation was set for the formation of four United Ways across Rockingham County—including Madison, Mayodan, Stoneville and Eden—to meet the needs throughout our community.

In the late 1980's, many of the people involved in the United Ways throughout Rockingham County began to see the need for a more united way of fund-raising. An effort to consolidate these United Ways began with the formation of the United Ways of Western Rockingham County. And from 1996 to 1998, the remaining three United Ways merged to form what is now known as “United Way of Rockingham County.”

For the last ten years, we have conducted a single, county-wide fund-raising campaign in the spirit of the very first Community Chests—in a truly “United Way”

Since then, United Way of Rockingham County has continually renewed its focus on doing what matters in our community.

Together we have established five goal areas in order to form a united strategy of making our lives and our neighbors' lives better.

If we can take action—and inspire others to take action—on the root causes of these issues, then we can make lasting changes in our community and improve people’s lives.

This year, United Way has set its goal at $950,000 to help fund 22 partner agencies and grant recipients. Together we will meet the needs of more than 30,000 residents this year!

You can do your part by conducting a campaign at your workplace or donate now by clicking the "Donate" button on the right. For more information, call United Way at 342-7768.