There are many great methods for getting things done.

There are collaborative cooperations. There are awe-inspiring approaches. There are individual initiatives.

Of course, there's also the United Way.

"United Way means community," said Maddie Seiler, the vice president of marketing and communications for the United Way of Lancaster County. "All United Ways across the world show up in communities in powerful ways. The United Way does that; we unite. We mobilize resources and get them to people who need them. At the end of the day, it's about making the community better and making sure all of our neighbors can thrive."

The United Way of Lancaster County is a local nonprofit hub, a vehicle for connecting the counties' generous donors and those who are less fortunate. Its history makes the United Way a Lancaster County institution.

In February, the United Way of Lancaster County relocated its century-old operations from 1910 Harrington Drive, Lancaster, to 2121 Oregon Pike, Lancaster.

"We're in a very unique position to provide those in need with what they need," said Seiler. "We are that connector in the community. We're the place other nonprofits turn to. We're seen as a thought leader. We have connections with all the agencies in the county. We have resources, but we never do it alone."

By partnering with local organizations, businesses and volunteers, the United Way of Lancaster County funds a wide variety of programs and provides a plethora of social services designed to improve the health, education and economic mobility of the community. Among the United Way's most prominent programs are its 211 non-emergency, essential services call center; its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program; its Project Blueprint, a six-week training session designed to strengthen the leadership of nonprofits; the Volunteer Center on its website, which posts volunteer opportunities in the county; its Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) initiatives; and the awarding of grants to local nonprofits.

"I think people know the logo, but they might not know exactly what we do," said Seiler. "We do act as a liaison, but that's not our main focus. We're just one of the amazing nonprofits in Lancaster County who are trying to fill the gaps in the community."

During an 18-month campaign in 2024 and 2025, the United Way of Lancaster County raised over $5.3 million for its services through the generosity of more than 3,000 donors. The United Way raises funds through workplace donation campaigns, sponsorships and government grants.

Based on tax return data and percentages of donated income, Lancaster consistently ranks among the top five most generous counties in Pennsylvania.

"I think Lancaster County is such a special place for nonprofits," said Seiler, a resident of Manheim Township. "There is such an essence of caring in our community. We really step up for our neighbors. This is the most generosity I've ever seen in a community. There's such an energy around giving back."

"For every dollar we raise, we're able to leverage seven dollars and 45 cents for the community," added Seiler. "By leveraging our funding, we're able to make a larger impact throughout the county."

The United Way of Lancaster County employs 30 staff members and workers.

"In a general sense, we reach people in a lot of ways," said Seiler. "What resonates to donors is different for each one. They may be people whose lives have been impacted, and they want to give back to United Way. We have so many different programs. People want to step up for their neighbors, and we give them opportunities that feel good to them."

The United Way of Lancaster County was founded in 1925 as the Welfare Foundation of Lancaster. A dozen local organizations raised $200,000.

There are more than 1,800 United Way chapters operating in 40 countries and territories around the world. Lancaster is one of 1,100 United Way affiliates in the United States.

"We've evolved in a lot of ways in a hundred years," said Seiler. "Our programs have changed completely, but we've always showed up for people who need it the most. We are super localized, but when our neighbors need us, we are able to mobilize for them. Our mission has remained somewhat the same."

"I want the community to know we are here for them," concluded Seiler. "With the cost of living, there are a lot of ways to connect with us in a dignified way. If you want to help and volunteer, we're the place for you. We can pivot; we aren't pigeonholed to the same thing every year. But we need volunteers, we need donors, we need other nonprofits."

For additional information, go to http://www.uwlanc.org.