United Way of Knox County Launches Annual Community Campaign During 75th Anniversary Year
United Way of Knox County Launches Annual Community Campaign During 75th Anniversary Year
“We Stand United. We Live United.
MOUNT VERNON, OH — September 9, 2026 — United Way of Knox County has officially launched its annual community campaign, bringing together businesses, organizations, community leaders, and residents from across Knox County to invest in programs that strengthen the community and improve the lives of local families.This year’s campaign is particularly meaningful as United Way of Knox County celebrates its 75th anniversary of serving the community.
To mark the milestone, United Way is issuing a special 75th Anniversary Challenge. New donors are encouraged to join the campaign with a gift of $75 or more, while existing donors are being challenged to increase their previous gift by an amount that celebrates 75 years — whether that is an additional $75, $175, $575, or even more.
United Way has also set an ambitious goal for this year’s campaign: to raise $1 million to help meet the rising needs of individuals and families throughout Knox County.
The 2026 campaign, “We Stand United. We Live United.”, is focused on a simple idea: when Knox County comes together, the entire community becomes stronger.
Funds raised through the campaign support United Way’s work throughout Knox County, including investments in local nonprofit organizations and initiatives addressing education, health, financial stability, and other critical community needs.
“For 75 years, United Way has been part of the fabric of Knox County,” said Todd Hawkins, Campaign Chair of United Way of Knox County. “Today, the needs facing our neighbors continue to grow, and we believe our community is ready to respond. Our goal is to raise $1 million this year so we can help meet those rising needs and ensure that critical programs and services are there for the people who need them.”
The anniversary challenge is designed to give everyone a meaningful way to participate.
“If you have never given to United Way before, we are asking you to celebrate our 75th anniversary by making your first gift of $75,” Hawkins said. “And if you already support United Way, we are asking you to stretch with us. Add $75, $175, $575, or whatever amount is meaningful to you to your previous gift. If thousands of people across Knox County step up together, we can reach $1 million.”
Limited-Edition 75th Anniversary Merchandise
As an added way to celebrate the milestone, United Way of Knox County has created limited-edition 75th anniversary merchandise to recognize donors who step up during this special campaign year.New donors who make a gift of $175 or more, or existing donors who increase their previous annual gift by at least $75, will receive a limited-edition United Way of Knox County 75th Anniversary YETI, while supplies last.
“We wanted to create something special that recognizes the people who are stepping up for Knox County during this milestone year,” Hawkins said. “The YETI is a small way for us to say thank you — and something our supporters can carry with pride knowing they helped make a difference in their community.”
The 2026 campaign will engage communities throughout Knox County, including Mount Vernon, Fredericktown, Danville, Centerburg, and Gambier, while also reaching businesses and organizations across industries including healthcare, education, agriculture, manufacturing, retail, utilities, government, and small business.
Local businesses are being encouraged to participate through corporate giving and workplace campaigns, while individuals throughout Knox County are invited to make a personal contribution. Businesses that have supported United Way in previous years are also being encouraged to increase their investment as part of the 75th Anniversary Challenge.
United Way is asking community leaders to help open doors, introduce the campaign to businesses and organizations, and encourage their employees, colleagues, friends, and neighbors to participate.
“Our goal is bigger than simply raising money,” Hawkins said. “We want to create a culture of giving throughout Knox County. We want people to see a United Way sign outside a local business or hear that their neighbor made a gift and know that they are part of something bigger — a community choosing to stand together.”
Throughout the campaign, United Way will share stories demonstrating how contributions are being put to work locally and highlighting the organizations, businesses, volunteers, and donors helping make that work possible.
The campaign is now underway, and everyone in Knox County is invited to help United Way reach its $1 million goal.
Never given before? Start with $75. Give $175 or more and receive a limited-edition 75th Anniversary YETI, while supplies last.
Already a donor? Increase your previous gift by $75 or more and receive a limited-edition 75th Anniversary YETI, while supplies last.
Together, we can celebrate 75 years of service by making an even greater investment in the future of Knox County.
Visit United Way of Knox County’s website at www.uwayknox.org for more information or to make a donation.
75 Years. $75. $1 Million for Knox County.
We Stand United. We Live United.
About United Way of Knox County
United Way of Knox County brings people, organizations, and resources together to address community needs and create lasting change throughout Knox County. Through community investment, partnerships, direct initiatives, and advocacy, United Way works to help ensure that individuals and families throughout the county have opportunities to thrive.Joel Marcovitch
Interim CEO
United Way of Knox County
Campaign@uwayknox.org
