The United Way is a respected philanthropic organization, not only because of the help it offers globally but because of its role in facilitating critical connections in local areas. The organization achieves this thanks to its on-the-ground approach, making it a key partner in helping us realize our commitment to create and strengthen access to vital community resources.

For more than 125 years, the United Way has been making critical connections between those in need and resources, and its support is as critical as ever.

Today United Way is engaged in nearly 1,800 communities across more than 40 countries and territories worldwide.  The organization, which impacts 61 million lives every year, is focused on creating community-based and community-led solutions that strengthen the cornerstones for a good quality of life: education, financial stability and health. 

Through its mission to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities around the world to advance the common good, the United Way works to support a vision of the world where every community is a strong one, with jobs that pay a livable wage, good schools and a healthy environment.  This mission is reflected by each chapter as they establish a unique strategic plan to address the needs of those in their communities.

Our relationship with the United Way began in 1958 when then President and CEO, Paul Smucker, helped create the Orrville United Way chapter. That year was also the inaugural United Way drive at the Company. In addition to our annual employee funding drive and support of local United Way campaigns in the locations where we have a presence, we have also supported programs unique to our communities.  Here are a few recent examples of our partnership coming to life:

We continue to support the Orrville chapter we helped to found. The chapter supports several key programs for area families as part of its annual campaign including  the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which encourages a passion for reading by offering free books to children from birth to age five; the Percy Happy Feet for Kids Program, a partnership with the Orrville Salvation army providing seasonally appropriate shoes for kids; and the Percy’s Weekend Backpack Program, in collaboration with the Salvation Army as well as the Orrville and Dalton School districts, this program provides backpacks of food to those in need distributed each Friday during the school year.

Our Canadian team opened three of its warehouses during COVID-19 and donated pet treats and food to animal wellness organizations across the country helping families in need.

As a part of the New Orleans community through our coffee manufacturing facilities, we proudly partnered with United Way of Southeast Louisiana to provide meals from local restaurants to more than 800 EMS workers whose commitment has helped the community endure during the pandemic.

Our Meadville manufacturing facility produces our popular Rachael Ray^® Nutrish^® brand. In addition to providing a food pets love, the team supports the Meadville Humane Society – especially important as of late given the increased prevalence of pet adoption nationwide. 

We are incredibly proud to continue to support the United Way and its important work to understand needs and make essential connections in our communities.