Perdue Farms associates make major donation to United Way of Lower Eastern Shore

During a presentation on Wednesday, Perdue Farms associates presented a check for $376,211.82 to the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore.

Perdue officials say $241,211.82 came from associates and $125,000 came from a contribution by the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation, the charity division of Perdue Farms.

With this donation, the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore is one big step closer to its campaign goal of $2 million.

Executive Director of United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore Kathleen Mommé says Perdue and its associates have raised the bar with this year's support.

"We are blessed to have a partner like Perdue Farms and their caring associates who give so freely to United Way every year," Mommé said. "Our community and the thousands of lives we are able to touch through our partners are fortunate to have their generous support."

The donation will support 74 programs and provided by 34 local agencies, including services that promote educational success, financial stability and good health among low-income children and families living on the lower Eastern Shore.

Perdue Farms Chairman Jim Perdue says Perdue associates have a long history of giving to United Way.

"Their generosity and compassion for helping others never ceases to amaze me," Jim Perdue said. "They truly exemplify what it means to 'Live United.'"

The United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore is now in its 73rd year, organizers say. Last year United Way reportedly provided almost $1.4 million to community programs on the Lower Shore.