- Aug 20, 2026
With the rising cost of living, many in our region are struggling to make ends meet. Hardworking people are having to juggle affording housing, childcare, food and more—earning enough that they don’t qualify for assistance but not enough to reach a stable place. This is where United Way comes in, providing these individuals and families with the resources they need.
Photo by: Christina Kling-Garrett
“Many people know United Way as a fundraiser, but we’re really a community problem solver,” says Michelle D. Tucker, president and CEO of United Way of Greater St. Louis. “We bring together the people, resources, and partnerships needed to solve challenges no one organization can solve alone. Every investment strengthens a coordinated network of nonprofits and community partners working together to help families find stability, build opportunities, and achieve long-term success. That’s how we create lasting impact across our region.”
United Way helps more than a million people each year through its 211 Referral Line, connecting over 250,000 individuals and families to essential resources each year. Additionally, United Way invests in more than 150 nonprofit partners, helping strengthen the systems that keep the entire community moving forward.
“Their programs turn to the areas of greatest need in our community and make a measurable impact,” says St. Louis Blues CEO and United Way Annual Campaign co-chair Chris Zimmerman. “The United Way has demonstrated its commitment to St. Louis over the last 100 years so any company CEO can rest assured that their donations will be intentionally directed to where they can best benefit our community.”
“Participating in a United Way campaign provides a very real opportunity for your employees to come together toward a common goal and feel a very real sense of pride in what they are accomplishing and contributing together,” adds Ryan Davis, Campaign co-chair and office managing partner of Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner’s St. Louis Office.
By bringing people and resources together, United Way ensures that every dollar raised during its Annual Campaign has greater impact. Tucker adds that, big or small, every business can make a difference. Companies gain access to trusted partnerships, measurable results, and opportunities for employees to engage in ways that strengthen both the community and their workplace culture.
“Having had the opportunity to discuss with senior leaders of a number of St. Louis’ largest and most prominent businesses, I have been truly inspired by their generosity and commitment to our community,” says Davis.
“You recognize the level of heart, the level of care, that so many people are bringing to their work to make a difference in people’s lives,” Zimmerman adds. “United Way truly embodies the idea of being an entity that does, in fact, unite our community around core needs of our friends and neighbors. It is the unique power of their work.”
Lasting change is built on a shared commitment to helping one another thrive and you can join in as a company, or as an individual today.
Tucker concludes: “Whether you choose to give, volunteer, advocate for local nonprofits, or simply help a neighbor, every act of generosity makes the St. Louis community stronger.”
United Way of Greater St. Louis, donate, volunteer or get involved today at helpingpeople.org
