VW United Way to mark 90th birthday

United Way information

The United Way of Van Wert County began in 1922 when a group of distinguished business leaders in Van Wert realized the need the community had and wanted to help those less fortunate than themselves.  And so, the Community Clearing House was born.

The Community Clearing House was the name given to this group at the time that funded eight agencies in Van Wert.  On October 17, 1922, 100 community leaders spent one well-organized day going from business to business asking them and their employees to make a contribution to help fund this new organization.  As a result of that day, approximately $20,000 was raised.

Also in 1922, only the people living in Van Wert city were served by these eight agencies. Several years later it was decided to serve all of Van Wert County — people living in the city as well as the rural areas in the county.

Since 1922, there have been three names changes: from the Community Clearing House to the Community Chest, then to the United Fund, and, today, the organization known as the United Way of Van Wert County.

Today’s services and needs have expanded, as well as the amount needed to now fund the 26 local agencies.  The number served in 2011 was in excess of 9,000 people.

“United Way has stood the test of time, if you will, and I am very proud of that fact,” said United Way Executive Director Deb Russell. “I feel the United Way is respected and we are supported well here in the community.

“In reading over the old articles from the past, it was interesting to see how they ran a campaign,” she added, noting that division totals were kept on a black board, there was no paid staff at the beginning, and volunteers did all areas of the campaign, including canvassing the entire community in one day.

“Several years later, a secretary was hired as campaign goals and workload increased, because needs increased,” Russell said. “But one thing has never changed and that is that United Way cares about the Van Wert community and its people.”

“As part of this milestone, our campaign video will concentrate on this anniversary,” said Russell. “If anyone has been involved with United Way, no matter what the capacity, we would like to have you in our video.”

Call the United Way office at 419.238.6689 as soon as possible for details.