Helen Little of Clayton, a 94-year-old former data processor and long-time humanitarian, echoes a sentiment not often heard amidst the hustle of modern life. "We weren't meant to take an easy life. We are supposed to serve our fellow man," she declared, a statement reflective of her relentless efforts to support the struggling nation of Haiti. In a turn of events, Little's ongoing mission received an unexpected boost when State Treasurer Dale R. Folwell presented her with a check for $2,643.59 — a refund from a closed PayPal account belonging to the defunct Ryan Epps Home for Children, as reported by Department of State Treasurer.
Little's dedication to the children of Haiti is clear. With the received funds, she plans to continue her work through the Helen Little Haiti Foundation, providing educational opportunities to Haitian children facing dire circumstances. "It's wonderful. It's helping another child to go to school, and that's what's important," Little told Department of State Treasurer, for whom schooling often falls beyond reach amidst poverty and one-meal-a-day realities.
The contribution, which marks Treasurer Folwell's final act of returning unclaimed cash before stepping down on December 31, resonates with his sentiment on North Carolinians' generosity. "Miss Little demonstrates through her time, and talents, and, now, her treasure, what is best about North Carolinians," Folwell stated after the presentation. Over the years, the Unclaimed Property Division (UPD) under Folwell's watch has embarked on a mission to match lost or misdirected funds with their rightful owners — in this case, to the tune of $610 million, detailed by the Department of State Treasurer.
Despite Little's advanced age and the ongoing gang violence in Haiti, her resolve to assist is undeterred. In addition to financial assistance, she is currently stocking a 40-foot container with goods intended for Haitian relief. "One day the gangs won't be there, and the people who have an education will be ready to be in leadership in that country," she said with hopeful persistence. Little's extensive philanthropic travel record adds credence to her dedication, having visited Haiti 81 times, and other nations in need of humanitarian aid, as per the Department of State Treasurer.
The Department of State Treasurer (DST) oversees nearly $1.3 billion in escheated funds waiting to be reclaimed by North Carolinians. Such assets — which include bank accounts, insurance policy proceeds, and stocks — often fall into oblivion due to changes in address, clerical errors, or the simple act of forgetting, as described by Department of State Treasurer. With a record-breaking year of claims and receipts in the NCCash program, the hope is that more residents, like Little, will be united with what is rightfully theirs, and subsequently, perhaps channel such funds towards greater good.
