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About United Way
History
The United Way concept began in Denver, Colorado, in 1887 because four caring religious leaders
began to dream of greater service to others. They envisioned an organization that would include and
unify many other organizations and, in the process, strengthen each of them. The idea soon spread to
other cities, notable Cleveland where the nation’s first modern Community Chest was born, and a
system to allocate funds was developed.
In 1941, Sumter joined nearly 800 other communities by forming a Community Chest with a Red
Feather campaign – raising $34,000 to support seven local agencies. The organization’s name was
changed to United Fund in 1949 and again in 1972 to United Way. Clarendon County was
incorporated in 1978 and Lee County was added in 1987.
United Way Today
United Way of Sumter, Clarendon and Lee Counties is the local expression of a national and
international movement. The over 1400 United Ways across the country raised over $3.8 billion last
year to invest in health and human services in their communities. In 2004, your local United Way
raised $838,000 to fund programs in 30 agencies.
Although the United Way of Sumter, Clarendon and Lee Counties is a member of United Way of
America, it is an independent organization run by its own Board of Directors. United Way is now, and
has always been, a grass roots” volunteer-driven organization, adhering strictly to its Code of Ethics.
More than 200 volunteers plan, establish policy, review and approve financial reports, admit new
member agencies, raise funds, allocate resources, and participate in every aspect of the United Way.
History
The United Way concept began in Denver, Colorado, in 1887 because four caring religious leaders
began to dream of greater service to others. They envisioned an organization that would include and
unify many other organizations and, in the process, strengthen each of them. The idea soon spread to
other cities, notable Cleveland where the nation’s first modern Community Chest was born, and a
system to allocate funds was developed.
In 1941, Sumter joined nearly 800 other communities by forming a Community Chest with a Red
Feather campaign – raising $34,000 to support seven local agencies. The organization’s name was
changed to United Fund in 1949 and again in 1972 to United Way. Clarendon County was
incorporated in 1978 and Lee County was added in 1987.
United Way Today
United Way of Sumter, Clarendon and Lee Counties is the local expression of a national and
international movement. The over 1400 United Ways across the country raised over $3.8 billion last
year to invest in health and human services in their communities. In 2004, your local United Way
raised $838,000 to fund programs in 30 agencies.
Although the United Way of Sumter, Clarendon and Lee Counties is a member of United Way of
America, it is an independent organization run by its own Board of Directors. United Way is now, and
has always been, a grass roots” volunteer-driven organization, adhering strictly to its Code of Ethics.
More than 200 volunteers plan, establish policy, review and approve financial reports, admit new
member agencies, raise funds, allocate resources, and participate in every aspect of the United Way.
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United Way of Sumter,
Clarendon & Lee Counties
215 North Washington Street
Sumter, SC 29150
Clarendon & Lee Counties
215 North Washington Street
Sumter, SC 29150