THINK Pender Strong, in collaboration with Pender County and Black River Health, is proud to present the 2nd Annual Pender Unity Resource Expo (PURE) 2025—a powerful community-building event designed to connect residents with vital services and support. Set to take place on Friday, May 9, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Pender County Government Complex (805 S. Walker Street, Burgaw, NC), PURE 2025 promises to be an impactful day of outreach and empowerment.

This year’s expo builds on the success of its inaugural event, providing a centralized hub where community members can access critical resources. Attendees will have the chance to engage with representatives from multiple agencies and organizations, including the Pender County Health Department, Department of Social Services, Veterans Affairs, Housing Authority, and Planning and Community Development Department.

A key feature of the event is the free vision and hearing screenings offered by the Burgaw Lions Club, with eye exams conducted on-site by Dr. Eaton of Burgaw.

A Wide Range of Support Services

PURE 2025 will host an impressive roster of confirmed vendors offering services in healthcare, housing, youth support, senior care, employment, and more. Participating organizations include:

• Safe Haven of Pender
• Hope First
• Roots of Recovery
• The Rape Crisis Center of Coastal Horizons
• WARM NC
• disAbility Resource Center
• Prodigy Movement Youth Services
• Senior Care Authority of Eastern North Carolina
• NCWorks Career Center
• Novant Health
• LINC
• Coastal Horizons
• …and many more!

Food & Emergency Resource Drive

Coinciding with Hurricane Preparedness Week, PURE 2025 is also focusing on emergency readiness. THINK Pender Strong is collecting donations via Amazon for emergency resource kits. With more than 100 kits distributed last year, this year’s goal is to exceed that number and serve even more residents in need.

In addition, the Boy Scouts of Rocky Point and the Burgaw Lions Club will be holding a food drive on Saturday, August 26th at the following locations:

• Food Lion – Rocky Point
• Food Lion – Burgaw
• Piggly Wiggly – Burgaw

Call for Vendors, Sponsors, and Volunteers

Community support is key to the success of PURE 2025. Event organizers are actively seeking additional vendors, sponsors, and volunteers to join this mission. Whether you can help with event setup, resource distribution, or simply want to lend a hand, your contribution can make a meaningful difference.

“It is critical that we continue to support our most vulnerable neighbors, ensuring they have access to the resources they need,” said Char McClain, Founder of THINK Pender Strong. “Our vision is to replicate this model throughout Pender County, bringing micro-resource centers and similar events to our rural communities.”

For more information on how to get involved, volunteer, or become a vendor or sponsor, please contact THINK Pender Strong at thinkpenderstrong@gmail.com.

Let’s come together to strengthen our community and ensure every resident of Pender County has the support they deserve. We’ll see you at PURE 2025!