United Way and Weis Markets partner to offer you another way to support your community. All round-ups at self-checkout during January 2025 will directly support your local United Way.
So, choose YES when checking out to support your neighbors in need.
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley is proud to partner with our local businesses and organizations to develop innovative ways to give back to our community.
On the December 23, 2024 episode of WDIY’s A Closer Look, host Laurie Hackett welcomes Chris Martin, Executive Chairman of C.F. Martin & Co., to talk about his work as this year’s United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley campaign chair. He shares his belief in the importance of sharing the community’s story, and the joy of asking people to give.
Then, Laurie talks more about United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley as a whole with CEO Marci Lesko. Marci explains the organization’s outreach, discusses why she wanted to take on such a high leadership position and the unstated agreement in the area that everyone will play a part.
A Closer Look explores the many nonprofit organizations throughout the Lehigh Valley. New episodes air the last Monday of every month from 6:30 to 7:00 PM following Lehigh Valley Arts Salon.
To offer swift financial support to the families and residents affected by the December 26 fire in the 700 block of Cedar Street in Allentown, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and partners have established the Cedar Street Fire Fund. The community groups have united quickly to raise funds and coordinate relief efforts for victims of the fire with partners and responders including City of Allentown.
The fire destroyed or significantly damaged 10 households, displacing 30 residents, including three children, during the heart of the holiday season. The American Red Cross Pennsylvania Rivers Chapter provided relief to the impacted residents in the immediate aftermath of the fire, including shelter, food, and emergency supplies. Now, United Way will work with partners to provide long-term assistance, with 100% of funds going to aid those affected by this disaster.
“For families facing the unimaginable loss of their homes during this holiday season, United Way remains focused on providing critical support during this challenging time. Through this partnership with trusted Allentown organizations, we are ensuring that every dollar donated is responsibly managed and directly benefits those affected by the fire,” stated Marci Lesko, Chief Executive Officer of United Way.
Donations can be made online at this secure website or via mail (checks payable to UWGLV, 1110 American Parkway NE, Suite F-120, Allentown, PA 18109 – attention “Cedar Street Fire Fund”). Additionally, individuals interested in making a donation can text “ALLENTOWN” to 40403. Gift card donations are also encouraged.
For additional information or questions on the fund, contact Laura McHugh at 610-807-5701.
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley is United for KIDS, ensuring that every child feels seen, valued and included during the holiday season. Santa brought holiday cheer once again to Roosevelt Elementary School, a United Way Community School in the Allentown School District, with a festive parade of vehicles, gifts and special guests during the fifth annual Lehigh Valley Labor Council Toy Drive.
On Friday, December 20, Santa’s helpers, including Capital Blue Cross, local labor unions and dedicated volunteers, gathered at United Auto Workers Local 677 on Mack Blvd in Allentown to prepare his “sleighs.” These sleighs included a Teamsters Local 773 trailer, a UA Local 677 trailer, a fire engine and a LANta bus—all brimming with gifts for Roosevelt’s students. The festive caravan made its way to the school, greeted by excited students and surprise visitors like Santa himself (played by Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk), IronPigs’ mascot FeRROUS and other beloved characters.
As part of Santa’s visit, he made a heartfelt stop at Roosevelt’s Autistic Support (AS) class, where the students received personalized gifts from their wish lists. These presents were provided by TeenWorks™, a United Way affinity group that champions youth-led community service projects.
The collaboration of partners like the Lehigh Valley Labor Council, TeenWorks™ and United Way showcases the power of a UNITED community coming together to bring joy to children and families during this special time of year.
TeenWorks is made up of a diverse group of local middle and high school students and local members of organized labor. This organization, which operates solely in the Lehigh Valley, began in 1999 as a partnership with the labor community and United Way. The group meets monthly and helps to fund community service projects throughout the Lehigh Valley from various youth groups. Over 500 organizations have received grants of up to $1,000.00 for their projects. In addition to funding projects, TeenWorks board members have a strong group of volunteers who can be counted on to do anything from building shelves to distributing mulch.
TeenWorks and Capital Blue Cross have shared the financial support for Roosevelt for the past seven years. TeenWorks and Capital Blue Cross entered into this unique relationship over twenty years ago and have produced significant results.
Special thanks to Lehigh Valley Labor Council for their deep commitment to Roosevelt and the groups who provided donations/financial support for this year’s toy drive: UAW 677, Teamsters 773, Laborers 158, Laborers 1174, AFSCME, Workers United, AEA, Operating Engineers 542, Allentown Firefighters, Allentown Police Department, Lehigh County Sheriff’s Office, ATU 956, LANTA, Mack Trucks, Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo, Capital Blue Cross, IATSE 200, SEIU 668, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, Communities in Schools, United Way TeenWorks, Lehigh Valley IronPigs, Lehigh Valley Print Center, USW, among others.
As the Chief Supply Chain Officer at Just Born Quality Confections and a recent addition to the Lehigh Valley community, Lisa Grenier has brought decades of passion and commitment to United Way. Having lived in six states over the past 30 years, Lisa has consistently supported United Way’s mission as a financial donor and volunteer, witnessing firsthand the organization’s transformative impact on communities nationwide.
“No matter where I’ve lived, United Way has always been there, addressing critical needs like homelessness, food insecurity and mental health,” Lisa shared. “The challenges may vary by location, but United Way’s approach to creating lasting change remains constant.”
Since moving to Hellertown in March 2023, Lisa has joined the Tocqueville Society, continuing her long-standing tradition of giving back. Her belief in United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley’s collective impact model aligns with her deep personal commitment to tackling significant challenges head-on.
In addition to her professional and philanthropic contributions, Lisa is a proud parent of two daughters. Her eldest is a critical care pediatrician and new mother residing in Chapel Hill, NC. Meanwhile, her younger daughter recently moved to Philadelphia after working at an animal hospital in North Carolina.
“I’m especially proud to support United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley,” Lisa added. “It’s an honor to be part of an organization that creates real change and addresses the most pressing needs of our neighbors.”
Easton, Pa – Crayola is kicking off the holiday season by celebrating our community. Twenty Crayola employees who contributed to the Company’s United Way campaign were selected to gift a $5,000 grant to the United Way nonprofit partner of their choice during the 5th annual Crayola United Way $100,000 Challenge. Established in 2019, the $100,000 Challenge was designed to encourage giving while supporting the communities where Crayolians work and reside. The employees and agencies were invited to a celebration to receive the contribution and share information about their organization’s mission.
Employees were selected by participating in the 2024 Crayola United Way Campaign, which raised over $1 million. The following United Way nonprofit partners were in attendance and received grant checks:
“It is with much appreciation that I choose to allocate this gift to Moravian University, an institution that means so much to me and my family,” said Jen Johnson, a Crayola employee. “As a parent, one of my greatest hopes has always been for my daughter to have the opportunity to pursue an education that empowers her to achieve her dreams and create a better future. Thanks to Moravian University’s generous scholarship fund, my daughter has had the chance to become the first in our family to attend college, and for that, I am deeply thankful. The Moravian Scholarship fund does not just offer financial support— it is truly a gateway to opportunity. It provides students the chance to experience a world-class education, to grow as an individual, and to join a community that values learning, diversity, and service.”
“A strong community is imperative to the success of our business,” said Pete Ruggiero, Crayola President & CEO. “Before we can help parents and educators raise creativity alive kids, we must first help them meet their basic needs. Through the generosity of Crayolians and our long-standing partnership with United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, we’re able to help thousands of students and families prepare for future success.”
“At United Way, one of our passions is connecting people to the causes they care about, and we can attest to the effectiveness of each organization receiving grants today. Thank you so much to the leadership and employees at Crayola for this bold, creative and fun way to inspire people to raise their hands, get involved and create an impact together,” said Marci Lesko, Chief Executive Officer, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley.
To support United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, visit www.unitedwayglv.org.
The Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley Conference, held on November 20, 2024, at ArtsQuest in Bethlehem, gathered 110 passionate attendees dedicated to fostering a livable community for all ages. Hosted by United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley, the event centered on the theme Inform, Inspire and Take Action, showcasing the collaborative efforts driving healthy aging initiatives across the region.
The conference featured dynamic presentations by distinguished speakers. Mike Watson, Director of Livable Communities at AARP, shared his expertise on building age-friendly communities and emphasized the importance of creating environments where people of all ages can thrive. Watson’s work with AARP’s nationwide initiatives has brought critical resources, tools and support to communities striving to enhance livability for older adults.
Joetta, a 4-time Olympian and renowned impact speaker, captivated the audience with her motivational message. Drawing from her book, Joetta’s “P” Principles for Success, she challenged attendees to “Show Up And Show Out” for themselves and their communities. Her energy and passion left a lasting impression, inspiring participants to embrace challenges and strive for greatness in their personal and professional lives.
The conference also welcomed Pennsylvania Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich, who brought his extensive experience in human services to the discussion. Secretary Kavulich touched on the importance of supporting older adults in maintaining their independence, thriving with dignity and contributing to the vibrancy of their communities. He reinforced the critical role of local aging networks in driving meaningful change for Pennsylvania’s 3.4 million older adults.
In addition to the inspiring presentations, attendees engaged in a group activity designed to foster connection and collaboration. The activity underscored the importance of community partnerships in creating actionable solutions for the challenges faced by older adults.
The Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley Conference was a celebration of the progress being made and a call to further action. By coming together, attendees demonstrated their commitment to creating a region that values and supports its aging population. This event served as a reminder that building a healthy and livable community is a shared responsibility—and an achievable goal when we’re UNITED for the greater good.
The Bach Choir of Bethlehem, a new United Way partner, is the oldest American Bach choir, giving the first complete American performances of Bach’s Mass in B Minor in 1900 and Christmas Oratorio in 1901.
Since its founding in 1898, the now-famous Choir has been attracting thousands of visitors from across the United States and beyond to the annual Bethlehem Bach Festival in Pennsylvania. The 115 dedicated volunteer singers of The Bach Choir, performing with the Bach Festival Orchestra and distinguished soloists, have received international acclaim. Programming includes 40 concerts and educational programs per year for an audience of more than 22,000. The Bel Canto Youth Chorus is The Bach Choir’s youth choir educational program under the direction of Director Kelly Rocchi. Through Bel Canto and other educational programs, The Bach Choir is training the next generation of choral singers and cultivating a life-long passion for the choral arts. Learn more at bach.org.
SELF! is a nonprofit based in Allentown that is dedicated to supporting women after incarceration and other traumatic circumstances. The nonprofit offers resources, guidance, and a safe space for women to rebuild their lives and self reliance. With help from United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley’s Fund for Racial Justice and Equity (FRJE) grant, SELF! is working tirelessly to ensure that no woman is left behind.
SELF! stands for “strongly embracing life’s future,” and its mission is clear: no human life is disposable. SELF! offers a stable living environment through its Allentown-based transitional housing, where women receive a wide range of supportive services, from job assistance to family reunification.
“Our approach is to address the whole person,” said the co-founder of SELF! “Whether it’s providing social services, connecting with family, or securing a stable income, we want these women to know they’re supported every step of the way. We want them to feel empowered and valued because they’re an important part of our community.”
SELF!’s work is far-reaching, covering everything from basic needs to long-term stability. With the support of the FRJE grant, SELF! has been able to expand its programs, including:
SELF!’s annual event is the Angel Tree Program, which provides holiday gifts to children whose parents are incarcerated. This community-driven event seeks to ensure children feel valued and loved, giving them a joyful, festive experience that many might otherwise miss. Each child receives a bag of presents, along with a message from their parent, helping maintain that essential bond between parent and child.
With the support of the FRJE grant, SELF! can continue its mission of providing vital reentry services to women and creating pathways to stable, successful futures. SELF!’s commitment to education, empowerment and community collaboration exemplifies the impact that focused reentry services can have on individuals and their families.
“When someone is incarcerated, it’s not just them who are impacted—it’s their whole family. We’re here to support that transition, one step at a time.”
SELF! is a testament to what’s possible when communities unite to uplift and empower one another. Through partnerships and programs like the FRJE grant, United Way and its community partners invest in a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
United Way awarded the following local organizations with grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 through the FRJE:
Grant funding is made possible thanks to partners and donors who directed their support to the Fund for Racial Justice and Equity, including PPL Foundation, Crayola, Behr, Martin Guitar Charitable Foundation, Truist, Lehigh Valley Community Foundation and United Way Women United.
Salvaggio Academy, a private elementary school founded and funded by CAI and the Salvaggio family, today announced its designation as a United Way Community School, a collaborative network of over 30 academic institutions.
With Salvaggio Academy’s comprehensive approach to education, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley recognized that the school meets and exceeds its qualifying criteria. The Community School model has a track record of enhancing academic growth, ensuring students’ and families’ basic needs are met, increasing engagement and attendance and fostering a positive school culture. Beyond these standards, Salvaggio Academy was chosen for its extracurricular programs and community partnerships that enhance the student experience. This aligns with the Community Schools initiative, which is rooted in the belief that kids’ academic success and social well-being is significantly influenced by external factors.
As a Community School, Salvaggio Academy will leverage its network connections to generate new and improved benefits for those in the surrounding area, including:
“We are incredibly honored to be recognized as a United Way Community School,” said Jessica Devlin, director of education at Salvaggio Academy. “This designation reflects our commitment to supporting not just our students, but also their families and the village it takes to offer the next generation with a thriving academic foundation. Together, we are building bridges and empowering everyone to achieve greater success.”
“Welcoming Salvaggio Academy as the first school of its kind in our Community School network is a significant milestone,” said Marci Lesko, chief executive officer at United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley. “This partnership reflects our shared dedication to innovation and excellence in education. We are excited about the opportunities we’ll create for the Academy’s students and families.”
In addition to this designation, CAI and United Way launched the CAI United Fund to support student success, furthering Salvaggio Academy’s mission by providing additional resources to improve academic outcomes.
For more information about Salvaggio Academy, enrollment and its programs, visit https://www.salvaggioacademy.org/
