History

For more than 80 years, Ottawa County United Ways have funded programs that saved and changed the lives of thousands of people. Through two world wars, the Great Depression, space exploration, the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Internet. United Way has been there helping people.

Until the 1940’s, United Way volunteers workedacross the county requesting donations and volunteer time for agencies door-to-door. It was not until after World War II that workplace giving campaigns became the bread and butter of United Way.

No community organization has United Way’s experience or ability to involved Ottawa County residents in meeting community needs. As all things have changed with time, so has United Way’s ability to focus resources that help people with what matters. TM most in their lives—giving them the tools and resources to make it better.

For those of us who call Ottawa County home, we care deeply about the quality of life here. Nothing is more important than the well-being of our families, friends and neighbors. We want to invest in what matters™ - improving lives, right here at home.

As caring individuals , one of the questions we may ask ourselves is “Where would all of us be without the actions of those who came before us and their generous support?”