United Way of Pioneer Valley Celebrates 100th Anniversary

Digital restoration of a drawing used in the Springfield Community Chest campaign, originally by Jessie Wilcox Smith, c. 1928.

Springfield, MA (1/5/2021)—On January 10, United Way of Pioneer Valley reached its hundredth anniversary. Since the start of our campaign on January 10, 1921, we have helped hundreds of thousands of people to get out of poverty – and stay out – through food and utility assistance, financial coaching, youth programs, and assisting with disaster relief. In total, the United Way of Pioneer Valley has invested over $193m in our community since 1921.

Originally known as the Springfield Community Chest, United Way of Pioneer Valley took on its current name in 1972, while maintaining the same scope of work. We now serve all of Hampden County, Granby, and South Hadley with the exact same goal as our flyers from 1921: relieving and preventing the distress caused by financial hardship.

“All of us at the United Way of Pioneer Valley are excited about the opportunity to honor our past as we shape our future, with our new community investment programs. We ask everyone to be on the look-out for events and activities honoring our hundredth anniversary in the weeks and months ahead”, said Paul Mina, President and CEO of United Way of Pioneer Valley.