On January 3, 1949, an exploratory meeting was called to study the forming of a Community Chest for Streator.

Representatives from the local organizations who would be supported by the Community Chest and representatives of groups who support it were present.

The organization meeting was held May 19, 1949 with a committee appointed to nominate an organizational board of directors and to draft a proposed Constitution and By-Laws. The committee included: T.E. McNamara, Chairman; L.E. Bundy, Fred Salvati, Walter Immel and Frank Scharfenberg.

The first Board of Directors was made up of the following: Mrs. Noble Arnold, Lincoln Bundy, J.J. Carey, Tony Collner, Rev. W.W. Cutlip, Judge Walter Dixon, Z. Harold Dorland, Louis Elias, John H. Fornof, Ralph E. Haldeman, Dr. D.R. Hanley, Dick Hendrickson, Walter Kerr, Harold Maranda, T.E. McNamara, Dr. W. G. Metcalf, Saidie Murray, Mrs. E.F. Plumb, Fred Salvati, Rev. H. Sandrock, W.W. Shine and A.R. Van Loon.

At the meeting of the board of directors on July 25, 1949, election of officers was held as follows: President, T.E. McNamara; Vice-President, Mrs. E.F Plumb; Secretary, J.J. Carey; Treasurer, Saidie Murray.

Also on July 25, 1949, the newly elected officers were authorized to take the necessary action to incorporate the Streator Community Chest. G.E. Whalen, Managing Secretary of the Civic Association, was named Assistant Secretary, Treasurer and General Manager of the Community Chest.

Harold Maranda was named Chairman of the first Community Chest campaign on August 15, 1949.

The Budget committee was formed to consider the requests of the following agencies to participate in the 1949 campaign:  Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Salvation Army, Visiting Nurse Association, YMCA and YWCA.  The Committee consisted of Fred Bromage, Chairman; J.J. Mohan, John Ferris, Walter Westwood, R.A. Powers, Mrs. Lyle Jones and Mrs. I. Barrett.

Campaign headquarters were opened on September 16, 1949 in the Union National Bank Building.

Meeting an average of twice per week for several weeks, men and women interested in the welfare of the community laid the groundwork for the first combined fundraising drive held October 9-19, 1949. Because of their hard work and the generous support of the community, a total of $39,729.93 was pledged.

Though much time and hard work also went into the 1950 campaign, the goal was not reached. This followed a countrywide pattern of the initial drive being very successful, with a drop back the next year. Each successive year, however, marked an increase in the funds raised, even when a goal wasn’t reached. These annual fundraising campaigns have been so valuable to the progress and well being of our community, and to the services and activities of the participating agencies.

The Streator United Way currently funds 13 local non-profit organizations to help aid those in need. Since 1949, we have continuously reached out to our community to help fund vital programs in the Streator area. We are deeply thankful to all of our donors over the years who help us reach out a hand to those in need. For decades, the people of the Streator Area have answered our call and we are so very grateful to all of you.

Managers & Executive Directors

1949-1949
G. E. Whalen, Secretary & General Manager

1950-1958
Irene Knight, Administrative Assistant

1959-1965
Marjorie Jaggers, Executive Director

1966-2013
Betty Di Gusto, Executive Director

2013-2019
Margaret Hogan, Executive Director

2020-present
Elizabeth Palm, Executive Director

United Way Previous Office Locations

Union National Bank
124 S Monroe St

Streator National Bank
122 N Bloomington St
(Same address but across to the other building)

United Way Name Changes

Community Chest
Streatorland United Fund, Inc.
United Way of Streatorland, Inc.
Streator Area United Way, Inc.