A Nice Surprise

by | Jul 13, 2022 | Education, Nonprofit

Rocky Point Elementary School receives an unexpected check from the N.C. Department of the State Treasurer.

Rocky Point Elementary School Principal April Perkins was surprised with a check for $500 recently.

“When you receive a random phone call informing you of receiving money from an unverified source, there’s a bit of skepticism,” Perkins says. “Upon verification, it was exciting news, and we look forward to finding a good use for the unexpected additional funds.”
State Treasurer Dale Folwell turned over the money from the Unclaimed Property Division (UPD) of the Department of the State Treasurer. The UPD receives funds that are turned over to the Department of State Treasurer.

Oftentimes the unclaimed money comes from bank accounts, wages, utility deposits and other items that have been abandoned.

“It’s gratifying, and I think anytime any board of education member, whether it’s the state level or local level, gets an opportunity to step foot in a school it’s a good thing,” Folwell says. “It means a lot to me as a school board member to be able to connect with the people who are actually doing the work, so delivering this check today was very gratifying.”

Rocky Point Elementary Donation

The money was located during a routine review of records by the UPD and originated from Target. It is unclear if the money was the result of a gift card, refund or other means.

“To receive a check from the state is a nice surprise, and it comes at a good time as schools are preparing for the start of a new year,” Pender County Schools Superintendent Dr. Steven Hill says. “August will be here before we know it.”

More than $1 billion worth of unclaimed property is waiting to be claimed in North Carolina. More information, including how to find out if you are owed money, can be found at nccash.com/.

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