United Way of Southern Chester County officials are fond of using the line, “One community, one commitment, one contribution,” as a succinct way to explain how one contribution to the local United Way can help thousands of people in the community.

Allocations from the United Way of Southern Chester County allow organizations like the Tick Tock Early Learning Center, the Oxford Senior Center, the Kennett After School Association, the Kennett Area Community Services, or the Neighborhood Services Center do what they do best—serve those in the community who need assistance.

Money that is contributed to the United Way of Southern Chester County stays right here in the community—yes, a comparatively wealthy community, but one that also has thousands of people who struggle to secure the food, shelter, medical attention, and other necessities.

When a family finds itself in need of food, the food cupboards of the Neighborhood Services Center and the Kennett Area Community Service are both stocked, in part, by the allocations from the United Way of Southern Chester County. If a family is on the edge of a crisis, and is in danger of being left homeless, the Family Promise of Southern Chester County is an invaluable resource. That organization also receives allocations from the United Way of Southern Chester County.

If senior citizens are need of a hot meal, a program, or simply some companionship, there are senior centers in both Kennett Square and Oxford that receive some support from the United Way of Southern Chester County.

Victims of crime or violence may turn to the Crime Victims Center of Chester County or the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County—both receive some help from the United Way of Southern Chester County.

Youngsters might find the help that they need at the Garage Community & Youth Center, the Joseph and Sarah Carter Community Development Corporation, or the Kennett After School Association.

The Young Moms organization provides mentoring and advocacy. Camp Dreamcatcher helps children and young adults who have been impacted by HIV or AIDS. The Kennett Library has an adult literacy program that has helped many people improve their lives. Legal Aid of Southern Pennsylvania offers legal services to those who need it. All these organizations, and more, are supported by funding from the United Way of Southern Chester County.

This year, the United Way of Southern Chester County allocated $800,000 to 26 different programs that provide crisis intervention for our neighbors in need, that promote stability or sustainability, or that offer a path to independence through education.

This year to day, 1,690 people have donated to the current United Way of Southern Chester County campaign that ends in August.

Southern Chester County is such a strong and vibrant community, in part, because there are so many organizations working on behalf of the people who need it the most.

One contribution to the United Way of Southern Chester County can help them all.