As we wrap up June, United Way of Lancaster County has been busy bringing people together and creating real change across our community. From launching impactful summer initiatives to celebrating local partnerships, this month has been full of meaningful progress. Keep reading to explore the highlights from June and what’s ahead as we move into July!

Small Hands, Big Impact

A young girl from the Manheim Central School District recently stopped by our office with her mother and older brother to make a special donation. Moved by the needs of people facing hunger and homelessness, this 4th grader got creative by making and selling handmade bookmarks in her neighborhood, with her brother by her side.

She explained her mission to every neighbor: all proceeds would go to help those in need. When it came time to give, her family brought the earnings (a baggie filled with coins, $1 bills, and one of her bookmarks) to United Way, knowing we’d direct it where it was needed most!

Her timing couldn’t have been better. We shared that her gift would support our Food & Shelter Fund, and she smiled wide: “That’s exactly what I wanted.”

This young changemaker is proof that compassion and action go hand-in-hand, no matter your age.

Food & Shelter Fund

Thanks to your support, strong partnerships, and generous donations, we were able to establish the Food & Shelter Fund, a grant initiative aimed at addressing the growing challenges faced by the county’s most vulnerable individuals and filling the gap left by recent reductions in federal support for critical food and shelter programs.

United Way of Lancaster County has awarded $150,000 to provide grants to local nonprofits addressing food and shelter insecurity across Lancaster County. We’re grateful for the incredible nonprofits across Lancaster County that continue to provide essential food and shelter services. Please visit their websites or social channels to support their vital impact.

As the community navigates this uncertain time, United Way of Lancaster County is actively seeking donations to support these life-sustaining resources. Those interested in helping can make contributions at the link below. Community support is crucial in ensuring that Lancaster’s most vulnerable neighbors continue to receive the help they need.

Calling All Former Loaned Representatives! 

Over many years, the United Way of Lancaster County Loaned Representative Program has partnered with various local employers to provide opportunities to emerging leaders. Hundreds of individuals have since gone through the program, providing them the opportunity to positively impact the community while gaining an enhanced knowledge of community needs. The Loaned Representatives, and the generosity of employers to provide this staff support, play a big part in the impact of United Way in Lancaster County.

As we prepare to enter our 100th year celebration, we are hoping to connect with as many past Loaned Representatives as possible to include them in events surrounding the centennial. If you were a Loaned Representative in the past, please contact us at the link below, we’d love to hear from you!

Happy Anniversary, 211!

For 36 years PA 211 East (formerly LINC - Lancaster INformation Center) has been a signature program of United Way of Lancaster County. Throughout the years we’ve seen the community change drastically, from recessions to pandemics. However one thing has stayed the same... the caring power of our Resource Navigators connecting our Lancaster County neighbors in need with resources to help them thrive. Whether you still dial 717-291-LINC(5462) or call 211, you’re sure to be connected with one of our staff whom are trained to listen, assess and provide you with the services in our community that exist to help you during your time of need.

The year 2025 is far different than the year 1989, but one thing remains constant…that is our commitment to helping our community remain connected. Take a peek at this LNP article from April 12, 1989 detailing why the merger from LINC into United Way of Lancaster County in advance of the official merger which took place on June 30, 1989 at 11:59pm.

THANK YOU TO VOLUNTEER CENTER SPONSOR:

Looking for more ways to make a difference?

🔹 United Way Volunteer Center – Explore local opportunities to get involved year-round.



🔹 Lancaster Lebanon Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Opportunities – Whether you're swinging a hammer on a build site or helping out at the ReStore, your time directly supports affordable housing efforts in our community.

THANK YOU TO VITA SPONSORS:

PA-1000 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Update

Taxpayers have until October 15 to claim an income tax refund for the 2022 tax year. The IRS allows a three-year window to file for a refund.



For the PA-1000 Property Tax/Rent Rebate program:

• Renters must provide a rent certificate signed by their landlord or notarized.
• Property owners must show proof of property taxes paid, which may include:

1. A stamped, approved tax bill
2. Front and back of the check used to pay the tax bill
3. A mortgage statement or bank receipts along with the original tax bill

WK Kellogg Co. - Fighting Summer Hunger

For more than 90 years, WK Kellogg Co. and United Way Worldwide have partnered to support communities that experience food insecurity. The company's annual United Way campaign supports local programming that benefits food banks and school breakfast initiatives. The partnership began in the early days of Kellogg’s history and has continued uninterrupted, with both organizations highlighting the enduring nature of their collaboration to create positive community impact. 

For a second year, we are partnering with Loft Community Partnership, Factory Ministries and CrossNet Ministries to serve students and their families in areas that experience high food insecurity. 

We are grateful to our local WK Kellogg Co employees and staff nationwide for their contributions through their corporate giving campaigns!

EITC Contributions

United Way of Lancaster County is proud to be an approved Pre-Kindergarten Scholarship Organization under the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program, authorized by the PA Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED). 

Thanks to recent EITC Pre-K contributions from Northwest Bank, Traditions Bank, United Way of Lancaster County can support more scholarships for low-income and middle class families who are sending their children to high-quality pre-K programs throughout Lancaster County. 

We are grateful for all our EITC Pre-K Business Partners: 

• PPL Electric Utilities
• Capital Blue Cross/Avalon Insurance
• Truist
• M&T Bank
• Orrstown Bank
• UHS of Pennsylvania, Inc
• Oak Tree Development Group

For businesses interested in learning more about supporting Pre-Kindergarten Scholarships through tax credits: https://www.uwlanc.org/educational-improvement-tax-credit/ 

First-time business applicants can start applying for the PA tax credit program on July 1: https://dced.pa.gov/programs/educational-improvement-tax-credit-program-eitc/

For events that are accepting RSVPs or selling tickets, click on the event name in the list below. And keep an eye out for more information on upcoming events for 2025!