HanesBrands has pledged $2.1 million this year for the United Way of Forsyth County and surrounding communities, as well as donated food items and volunteer hours to community agencies as part of its 10th award-winning charitable fundraising campaign. The United Way of North Carolina awarded Hanes with its Spirit of North Carolina Award for campaign excellence, the eighth consecutive Spirit Award and 10th earned in the past 11 years by Hanes and its employees.“We are proud to be partners with all of the Spirit Award winners,” said Cindy Gordineer, UWFC President and CEO. “They demonstrate outstanding commitment for change by volunteering their time and talent, and giving generously to make a difference in our community.”

In addition to pledging $2.1 million for United Way of Forsyth County in 2017, the company and its employees have contributed more than $23.5 million to United Way agencies since 2006.

“I’m very proud of the positive contributions to our community’s quality of life that our campaigns make,” said Hanes campaign chairperson James Francis, a vice president of procurement for the company. “This campaign year marks the 10th time the company and its employees have received this special recognition. This award wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for the generosity of our employees.”

As part of the company’s campaign, employees also donated 10,000 nonperishable food items and $13,000 to Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest N.C., one of United Way’s partners. Additionally, Hanes granted paid time off to nearly 400 headquarters employees to volunteer for a Day of Caring at 12 local community agencies. Employee volunteers contributed thousands of volunteer hours performing various tasks at the agencies including landscaping, painting, administrative duties, and more.

During the weeklong campaign, activities held on campus included a kickoff celebration, silent auctions, and an agency fair that provided employees an opportunity to learn about the various local non-profit agencies in attendance.

“Our corporate partner campaigns are critically important to reaching our goals within the community,” said Gordineer. “Passionate and caring workplaces like HanesBrands help Forsyth County create positive change, and great things happen when we Live United.”

HanesBrands included Hanes, Champion, Playtex, DIM, Bali, Maidenform, Bonds, JMS/Just My Size, Leggs, Wonderbra, Nur Die/Nur Der, Lovable, Berlei and Gear for Sports.