The citizens of Etowah County have been helping those in need in their community through United Way of Etowah County since 1938, when concerned people here decided they would pull together and become an organized money-raising group and help the county's agencies that serve its people in meeting their most urgent needs. The volunteers assumed the name Associated Benevolences. During World War II the name became Alabama War Chest, then Community Chest during the post war years. In 1953, the organization became known as the United Givers Fund and remained so until 1984. In March 1984, the organization's name was changed to the United Way of Etowah County, Inc.

United Way has a long tradition of using your donations wisely, and we are trusted leaders when it comes to service. United Way makes an impact on issues that concern you, right here in your own community. We serve the people of Etowah County. The many municipalities are the Cities of Altoona, Attalla, Gadsden, Glencoe, Hokes Bluff, Mountainboro, Rainbow City, Reese City, Ridgeville, Sardis City, Southside, and Walnut Grove.

Currently, 26 member-agencies - providing over 50 services/programs - receive financial support. United Way works in partnership with the agencies, organizations, local business and government to help advance the common good by focusing on Education, Financial Stability, Health, and providing a Safety Net. These are the building blocks of a good life for the citizens of Etowah County: A quality education that leads to a stable job, enough income to support a family through retirement, and good health.

Our goal is to create long-lasting changes that prevent problems from happening in the first place. We invite you to be part of the change. Together, united, we can inspire hope and create opportunities for a better tomorrow. That's what it means to LIVE UNITED.