Huntington Quarterly Autumn 2022

W hen the Woman’s Club of Huntington created the Community Chest 100 years ago, they had no way of knowing the very same ideals and dedication to community that went into its inception would evolve into what is now United Way of the River Cities. “A group of committed individuals can create tre mendous change in a community,” said Carol H. Bailey, executive director of UnitedWay of the River Cities Inc. “This small group of women had wide-ranging interests, compassion and a sense of social responsibility; and

they wanted to see their community improved for all.” The Community Chest began as a fundraiser to address the needs of the community, including social service and human service needs. “TheWoman’s Club of Huntington had many com mittees that addressed different areas of need, and they were working to try to ameliorate those,” Bailey said. “Fast forward 100 years later, and here we are, just as community driven.” To celebrate its 100th anniversary, UnitedWay of the River Cities has planned four events and projects, in

cluding a centennial dinner that took place in April, where those who had a connection to the nonprofit recon nected and shared memories about the work they had done together to better the community. Additionally, as a way to show their thanks to the community for a century of support, UnitedWay will develop a pocket park, with plans to have the first phase completed by the end of November and a dedication ceremony in the spring. Amixed-use space open to the community, the small park will be located beside the United Way offices on Madison Avenue and will consist of evergreen and flowering trees, a walking path and a Born Learning Trail. “The trail is a product that comes out of UnitedWayWorldwide,” Bailey explained. “It’s a series of signs we’ll install that give guidance on how to use your immediate surrounding environ ment to interact with young children in ways that support early education, brain development, identification of colors and shapes and more.” In July, United Way of the River Cities announcedmore than $528,000 in grants to fund 28 area programs that support health, education, financial stability and basic needs. Included in that total is a separate $1,000 grant to each agency with a funded program, to underscore the importance of the collaboration between United Way and all of its partnering agen cies. These grants are to be used in

n Lynn Temple Jones, a United Way

Captain United and Steve Hatten pin a button o

loaned executive.

The original home of the Community Chest is shown here, with a group of early members and supporters of the Kiwanis Club which later moved into the building.

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