Trending
Following almost 90 years of fundraising in the community, what often is known as Weirton's primary charitable organization will cease operations by the end of this year.
Officials with the Weirton United Way have announced plans to formally dissolve local operations, transitioning fundraising for Hancock County agencies to the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley.
"The Weirton United Way has been a fixture in the community for decades but with the decline in population, increasing operational expenses and overall decline in charitable giving, our board determined the best option to maintain services was to dissolve current operations," explained Don Gianni Jr., Weirton United Way board chairman. "This decision came after months of thoughtful discussion and consideration. We realize the long history the United Way has had in this community, but our goal was to ensure a continued presence in the Weirton community, serving those residents most in need. By working with the Ohio Valley United Way to assume fundraising efforts for the Weirton community, there will be a long-term plan for the United Way in Weirton."
The Weirton United Way traces its history to 1936 when it was founded as the Weirton Community Chest. In recent years, its campaigns have focused on fundraising for 12 local member agencies: The American Red Cross, Catholic Charities West Virginia, the Community Bread Basket, Dunbar Recreation Center, Healthways Inc., Hancock County Sheltered Workshop, Hancock/Brooke/Ohio/Marshall RSVP, Hancock County 4-H Foundation, Mary H. Weir Public Library, Salvation Army of Hancock and Brooke Counties, Weirton Medical Center and the Weirton Christian Center.
Letters have been sent to each of these agencies to inform them of the transition. The dissolution will become effective Dec. 1, according to Gianni.
"Part of the process was to designate specific funding so each current Weirton United Way agency will continue to receive its existing funding allocation for the next 24 months," Gianni said. "This will allow agencies to plan accordingly and make application to the new allocation process by the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley."
The United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley, headquartered in Wheeling, is the primary agency covering Brooke, Ohio, Marshall, Tyler and Wetzel counties in West Virginia and Belmont County in Ohio. The transition agreement will add Hancock County to its primary service area.
"Our board is excited to be adding Hancock County to our service area," said Staci Stephen, executive director of the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley. "This expansion will allow us to partner with even more great agencies who are providing life-changing services in our community. To make sure services continue uninterrupted, we will be placing a permanent office with dedicated staff in the Weirton community. We look forward to continuing the great work of the United Way for Hancock residents."