Our History

On January 1936, in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, a small committee met to discuss the possibility of starting an organization to support local charities. Known then as the Community Chest, Schuylkill County residents donated generously. Their first campaign , dated July 1936, raised $72,000 (over $1.6 million, adjusted for inflation) to help support numerous local agencies that offered human services at little or no cost.

In the early 1970’s, the Community Chest became an independent member organization of United Way Worldwide, and was renamed the Schuylkill United Way. Governed by a Board of Directors made up of local leaders, the Schuylkill United Way has raised and distributed over $40 million back to the community.

Schuylkill United Way currently supports partner agencies that are located throughout Schuylkill County. Partner Agency services are free or available at minimal charge to community members in need.

Today, the Schuylkill United Way staff comprises of an Executive Director, a Director of Community Engagement, and a Director of Marketing and Programs. Members of our Board of Directors either live or work here in Schuylkill County.