GOLDSBORO, N.C. — United Way of Wayne County officially kicked off its 2026 Community Campaign Wednesday with strong momentum, announcing that $353,919—42% of the $850,000 campaign goal—has already been committed by local businesses, organizations, schools and community members.
The campaign kickoff, held at United Way’s office at 309 N. William Street, celebrated the community’s continued investment while highlighting United Way’s ongoing transformation to an Issue Focus United Way. The organization is concentrating its resources and partnerships on addressing the root causes of poverty and advancing financial stability throughout Wayne County.
“We are incredibly grateful for the community support that has brought us to 42% of our goal before the campaign officially begins,” said Sherry Archibald, Executive Director of United Way of Wayne County. “Our work is about more than raising money. It is about bringing our community together to address the challenges that keep individuals and families from achieving financial stability.
United Way recognized its 18 Frontrunner businesses that conducted their campaigns early, as well as Wayne County Public Schools and more than 30 participating schools. The organization also recognized the importance of individual donors whose contributions make the campaign possible. Thanks to Mallory Dumond and Travelmation, a 3night/4day cruise is an incentive for all Fair Share donors by way of 20 semi-finalists. Five of the 20 names were drawn at the event and one of the 20 will win the cruise by the end of the campaign.
Archibald also shared the story of Tatiana Johnson, a United Way UCAN (United Community Assistance Network) recipient who faced financial challenges while her youngest son was hospitalized. Through UCAN, Tatiana was connected with resources that helped her navigate the crisis and move back toward financial stability.
“Tatiana’s story is exactly why this work matters,” Archibald said. “We want to connect people not only to help during a crisis, but to the resources, relationships and opportunities that can help them become stable and move forward.”
United Way’s Issue Focus work is centered around four pillars: Community Resiliency, Childcare Access, Basic Needs, and Employment & Income. The organization’s bold goal is to empower 12,000 people in Wayne County to achieve financial stability by 2035.
The following businesses held their campaign early as Frontrunners:
- NC Community Federal Credit Union
- Jackson & Sons
- Franklin Baking Company
- Partnership for Children
- Caterpillar Fluid Transfer Solutions
- County of Wayne
- Crawford Henderson
- Carr, Riggs & Ingram
- Southco
- Goldsboro Builders Supply
- Turner Tanks
- Wayne Realty
- First Bank
- Mount Olive Builders
- City of Goldsboro
- Atlantic Casualty Insurance
- Worrell Contracting
- Communities Supporting Schools
Also, Wayne County Public Schools
United Way of Wayne County’s 2026 Community Campaign will continue throughout the coming months. The organization encourages businesses, schools, organizations and individuals to join the campaign and help move Wayne County toward greater financial stability.
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