Did you know that the average age of a homeless person in Moore County is 9-years-old? And that there are over 230 homeless children currently identified in Moore County?

Our 2011 Moore County Leadership Institute project focuses on an unmet need identified by representatives from the Moore County Schools and community advocates for the homeless. Operation UnderToes will provide socks and underwear to all Moore County elementary schools including the two area charter schools and the Mobile Rural Health Care Semi operated by St. Joseph of the Pines.

The team’s goal is to raise $10,000 to launch the project and have the items in place for the start of the new school year. These funds will be used to purchase socks, underwear and storage tubs, and to create a sustainable program for the future.

Interested in supporting our cause? There are three ways that you can help:

The Pinehurst Resort has generously donated a round of golf for a foursome on Pinehurst No. 2 that will be raffled off on August 1. Only 100 raffle tickets will be sold, each for a $100 donation. Please contact one of the team members listed below to purchase a ticket.

If you’re not a golfer, please consider making a financial contribution. Send your check, payable to Operation UnderToes, to P.O. Box 5321, Pinehurst, NC 28374. Any size donation is greatly appreciated.

Invite a member of UnderToes to speak to your church, club, or civic organization. The more support we receive, the more we can help these children.

Thank you in advance for your support. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact any member of the UnderToes team.

For more information, contact:

Floyd Fritz, Village of Pinehurst Fire Department, 910-295-5575

Drew Maerz, Moore County Schools, 910-947-2342, ext. 319

MaryBeth Poplyk, FirstHealth of the Carolinas, 910-255-3623

Karen Reese-May, Keller Williams Realty, 910-986-0801

Laura Tomanelli, Pinehurst Resort, 910-235-8180