United Way of Lebanon County halfway to $750,000 fundraising goal for 2025-2026

The United Way of Lebanon County announced that the organization’s 2025-26 campaign has raised around $375,000 so far, half of the organization’s goal of $750,000, during a luncheon Dec. 4 at Hebron Banquet Hall.

The campaign began Sept. 10 and will run until Jan. 31 – a shorter campaign than others the local United Way has run in recent years.

Read More: United Way kicks off annual campaign with special guest Brandon Graham

Fire Relief and First Responder Trauma Care

In addition, the United Way announced funds raised for the Fire Relief Fund and First Responder Trauma Care Fund, which are at $16,325 and $11,850, respectively.

After the deadly fire on Church Street Sept. 28, the United Way began raising money both for the families affected and first responders.

“You’re aware of the fire that took place, Sept. 28, took the lives of five individuals including three children,” said Erin Velazquez Thursday. “At that time, we established the Fire Relief Fund, it allowed us to collect donations from the community to provide emergency financial assistance and help those in need.”

The United Way committed $5,000 of its own funds to the First Responder Trauma Care Fund, used for psychological treatment for first responders.

“At the same time, we recognize the toll of these events extended beyond just the families affected,” she continued. “Our First Responders Trauma Care Fund will ensure that firefighters, EMTs, and other emergency personnel who rushed into harm’s way will have access to crucial trauma-informed counseling, peer support services, and wellness programs to help them process the emotional and psychological strain of their work.

“Once again, goes to show just how supportive the Lebanon community can be when devastating events happen. We’re glad that we were able to be a trustworthy voice during the time the community needed us.”

Spotlight on workplace giving

Also at Thursday’s luncheon, representatives of several local businesses discussed how they approached workplace giving during United Way campaigns.

Velazquez said after the luncheon that at least 85% of funds raised by the United Way originate from workplace and corporate giving.

“It’s cool to hear what they’re doing and for them to be able to share their success and lead by example,” she said.

Velazquez cited Jonestown Bank and Trust as one of the biggest United Way supporters.

Jamie Manson of JBT explained that the bank has around 70% employee participation and has raised around $50,000 in pledged donations so far. She said one incentive is that if employees donate two days of their salary to the United Way, they receive two additional paid days off, which she said is popular among employees.

Rachel Harvey Lorenzo discussed Barley Snyder’s United Way campaign, noting the law firm has a similar PTO incentive and also offers prizes to employees who participate.

“The difficult part of this, though, is this year we’re really struggling,” said Lorenzo, emphasizing that economic struggles make it harder for many to donate. “We have nine offices throughout Central Pennsylvania and typically we hit over a hundred thousand dollars … but right now, we’re only at $61,000.”

BlueScope Buildings representative Paula Canales said the business came short of its $25,000 goal, but that many at the company are passionate about fundraising.

Spotlight on Communities in Schools

One United Way program, highlighted at Thursday’s luncheon, is the CISPA program, which is active in two schools each in the Lebanon and Cornwall-Lebanon school districts.

CISPA executive vice president Lyndsey Sturkey explained that the program works to connect students with individualized support, often for out-of-school needs like access to school supplies or food security. Students with high levels of need routinely meet with advisors to address issues that may lead to low attendance and academic struggles.

CISPA serves five Lebanon School District schools (though only two are currently paid using United Way Funds).

“Our team, they are phenomenal, they do amazing work with these students and other staff in the building,” said Sturkey, emphasizing the importance of relationships built with in-need students. “Last year, we were able to serve over 3,000 students and parents through our tier one pool school activities. We distributed over 500 basic convenience items and case managed 66 students across the district. Of those 66 students, 67% of them achieved their attendance goals, 79% achieved their behavior goals, and 86% achieved their academic goals.”

Lebanon superintendent Dr. Nicole Malinoski thanked coordinators at the schools for their work connecting kids to resources, de-escalating conflict, and mentoring students.

United Way campaign chair Bob Hoffman thanked Malinoski and Cornwall-Lebanon superintendent Philip Domencic, who was unable to attend Thursday, for their leadership and oversight of CISPA coordinators at their schools.