As this first month of 2026 comes to an end, we hope you have dug out of the snow and are staying safe and warm! Here at United Way, the snow hasn't slowed us down- we have a lot happening and hope to keep you updated and informed as "move" forward into the new year.

Closing Our Centennial Year & Opening the Next Chapter

As we conclude our centennial year, we reflect with deep gratitude on a century of generosity, partnership, and community impact. During our 18-month Centennial Campaign, we set an ambitious fundraising goal of $5 million—and thanks to the extraordinary commitment of our donors, we not only met that goal, we surpassed it. Together, you helped raise $5.3 million to strengthen our work across Lancaster County.


The centennial was an important milestone, but it also reinforced what has guided United Way for a century—our work is ongoing, and our responsibility to this community continues. We have always evolved to meet the moment, and we are doing so once again.

In the past year, in response to funding cuts and growing need, we redirected resources to address urgent food and shelter insecurity through the creation of our Food and Shelter Fund. We also convened community partners to respond to reductions in SNAP and other benefits impacting families right here in Lancaster County. This ability to listen, adapt, and act is part of our DNA—and has been for a century.


There is much to share as this next chapter takes shape. We are preparing to move into a new home, and refreshed branding is rolling out across the United Way network later this year. Most importantly, we are launching a new strategic plan that clearly defines how we will measure progress, strengthen local organizations, and empower individuals and families across Lancaster County.

MISSION MOMENT: A Life-Saving Donation

Last Thursday, January 22, a street outreach worker from Quarryville asked a question we hear far too often: do you have sleeping bags for our unhoused neighbors as a winter storm approaches? United Way of Lancaster County reached out to Dick’s Sporting Goods' corporate office with an urgent request—and their response was extraordinary. Within two hours, Dick’s confirmed they had 200 cold weather sleeping bags available at a distribution center outside Pittsburgh. Their logistics team immediately mobilized, and within 24 hours, United Way team members delivered the sleeping bags to shelters and outreach teams across Lancaster County.


This generous donation is not about comfort—it is about survival. Outreach workers consistently tell us that sleeping bags are the single most critical item during extreme cold. Across the nation, 20 individuals experiencing homelessness die each day from extreme weather exposure. Because of Dick’s swift and compassionate action, outreach teams across the county mobilized to help neighbors experiencing street homelessness protect themselves through this storm. Each sleeping bag represents dignity, care, and a tangible reminder that our community has not forgotten them. We are deeply grateful to Dick’s Sporting Goods and to the frontline partners who ensure this generosity reaches the people who need it most.


Sleeping bags were delivered to: Tenfold (Lancaster City), Clay Street Shelter (Lancaster City), ECHOS (Elizabethtown), Dream Center (Columbia), Solanco Neighborhood Ministries (Quarryville), Good Samaritan Services (Ephrata), and Hand Up Partners (Lancaster).

211 Day is almost here! On Tuesday, February 11 (2/11), we will be hosting our 5th annual 211 Day Summit! This event is an opportunity to celebrate our 211 team for their dedication to the community and bring together community members, leaders, and organizations from around Lancaster County to share knowledge, build organizational and community capacity, and network.


During the Summit, we will highlight the progress achieved over the past year and share our priorities and goals for the months ahead. We hope you will join us for a day of learning alongside local community organizations that are making a meaningful impact in Lancaster County, as well as the opportunity to connect with our talented team.


Registration is still open: click the link below for more details about the day including speakers and workshops. Reserve your spot today!

VITA starts filing taxes Monday, February 2, 2026. We expect to serve over 10,000 Lancaster County taxpayers this season so be sure to visit our website for locations* and appointment information. You may schedule online or call 717-824-8102. Thank you for your patience as we work to return a large number of calls.


We’re currently seeking VITA Scheduler Volunteers and Tax Preparers to help support our community through accessible, reliable tax assistance—your time truly makes a difference!

-VITA Scheduler Volunteer Sign-Up:

https://uwlanc.galaxydigital.com/need/detail/?need_id=1168719

-VITA Tax Preparer Volunteer Details:

https://uwlanc.galaxydigital.com/agency/detail/?agency_id=144019


Please contact Edward Bowman at ebowman@uwlanc.org or Jarissa Johns at jjohns@uwlanc.org for more information. 

*Please note the details for certain locations.

VITA signs will be visible to direct tax payers to the correct entrance at each site.

THANK YOU TO OUR VITA SPONSORS:

Bank of Bird In Hand from google images

NEW to our Volunteer Center Site: SNAP Eligibility Volunteer Opportunities


Our 2026 Community Connect provides readily available volunteer opportunities to help community members fulfill SNAP requirements while supporting local neighbors in need. Click the link below to get involved, get informed, and be part of something that matters! 


https://uwlanc.galaxydigital.com/need/?s=1&need_init_id=14922

Save these dates and view our events calendar by clicking the link below!


211 Day: February 11, 2026, DoubleTree Resort, 8:30AM - 3:15PM


Trike Race: May 7, 2026, Armstrong World Industries, time TBD

  • Sponsorship opportunities are now available! Click HERE to view our 2026 Sponsorship Booklet, or contact Kellan Kernisky at kkernisky@uwlanc.org for more information
  • Team registration will open in March
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