211 & Lancaster Project for the Needy Team Up to Provide Food Boxes:

Maximizing Impact & Exploring Planned Giving

As the year draws to a close, it’s a wonderful time to support the causes that matter most to you while taking advantage of potential tax benefits. Your donation to United Way of Lancaster County not only fuels our mission but can also provide you with significant financial and estate planning advantages. 

In addition to traditional year-end gifts, consider exploring planned giving options that align with your long-term philanthropic and financial goals. Here are a few popular planned giving vehicles: 

Bequests: By including a nonprofit in your will or trust, you can leave a legacy that reflects your values without affecting your current financial situation. 

Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs): Contribute to a DAF and recommend grants to your favorite charities over time. 

Charitable Gift Annuities: Provide a lasting gift while receiving fixed income payments. 

Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCDs): Allow individuals 70½ or older to donate directly from a taxable IRA, satisfying the required minimum distribution while reducing taxable income. 

Charitable Trusts: Use charitable remainder or lead trusts to balance financial security, estate planning, and giving. 

Donations made by December 31 can offer you immediate tax benefits, including deductions for those who itemize, while making a lasting impact in your community. Whether you choose to give cash, securities, or through planned giving options, your generosity ensures United Way of Lancaster County will be able to continue its essential work into the future. 

We encourage you to consult with your financial or legal advisor to determine the best giving strategies for your situation. Thank you for your generosity and commitment to making a difference in Lancaster County. 

Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute tax or legal advice. 

Please contact Kristy Gismont, VP of Resource Development with any questions at 717-824-8111 or kgismot@uwlanc.org.

The Holiday Volunteering Guide is Here!

As the holiday season approaches there's no better time to give back to our community, and Lancaster County’s United Way is making it easier than ever. The annual Holiday Volunteering Guide offers a wealth of opportunities to spread joy, from decorating local centers to preparing meals for families in need. Whether you want to organize toy drives, distribute winter clothing, or help with holiday events, there’s something for everyone. With easy online sign-ups through the United Way’s Get Connected platform, it's simple to make a meaningful impact. Volunteering strengthens our bonds and makes Lancaster County a warmer, more vibrant place. Visit the guide below today and join us in creating a season of giving!

Contact Jarissa Johns, Volunteer Manager, at jjohns@uwlanc.org with any questions.

Tax Season is Upon Us!

In less than two months, our VITA sites will be open! Tax preparers are busy reviewing tax law and changes that will take place in 2025. This year, VITA has added 20 new volunteers who will be helping at 19 locations – including a new site in Denver, PA. 

Scheduling appointments will begin on January 2, 2025 by calling 211 or visiting our website below:

Legacy Listening Sessions

United Way of Lancaster County will be celebrating 100 years in 2025. To prepare for the next century, our team is conducting listening sessions focused on United Way's pillars: education, economic mobility, health, and volunteering. Our goal is for these Legacy Listening Session findings to help shape the future of our organization.

We want to hear from you! Take the survey below to make your voice heard about Lancaster County. The results will be used to fuel our future.

Making an Impact Across County Lines

Last week, we delivered 10 pallets of clothing donated from Fresh Clean Threads to United Way of York County. When we offered to share a portion of a donation we received in September, they quickly gathered volunteers to sort and pack the items over three days. The items will be delivered to York nonprofit organizations for holiday distribution. Special thanks to Maple Press for the storage & staging space and our partners at Paul Davis of Central Pennsylvania for meeting the need and getting the donation safely to York. It is partnerships like these that create lasting impact in our communities!  

Our 2024-2024 Community Report

United Way of Lancaster County is proud to announce that our Community Report is complete! Click the link below to explore our impact over the 2023-2024 fiscal year