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Lubbock Area United Way has served our community since 1946. Originally known as the Community Chest, the organization began its work from a former fire station at 2201 19th Street.
As Lubbock and the South Plains grew, the organization evolved with it. Community Chest became United Fund in 1961 and affiliated with United Way of America in 1974.
What has never changed is the purpose behind the work: bringing people together to address our community’s most pressing needs and build a stronger future for everyone.
Community Chest Established
Became United Fund
Affiliated with United Way of America
During one week in November 1946, individuals and businesses contributed $90,640 to support seven local nonprofit organizations through Lubbock’s first Community Chest fundraising campaign.
That first campaign established a tradition of local generosity that has continued for eight decades.
$90,640
Raised during the first campaign
7
Local nonprofit organizations supported
1 Week
A community united around a shared purpose
From the first Community Chest campaign in 1946 to the work happening across the South Plains today, each decade has brought new challenges, partnerships, and opportunities to serve.
As we celebrate our 80th anniversary, we are gathering the milestones, photographs, and stories that shaped our community along the way.
Lubbock’s first Community Chest campaign raised $90,640 in one week to support seven local nonprofit organizations.
In 1961, Community Chest became United Fund as the organization continued expanding its role in the Lubbock community.
In 1974, the organization affiliated with United Way of America and became part of a broader national network of community impact.
Lubbock Area United Way continues connecting donors, volunteers, businesses, and nonprofit partners to address our community’s most pressing needs.
For 80 years, local agencies, volunteers, donors, and neighbors have worked together to change lives across the South Plains. Hear directly from the people and organizations who have experienced that impact.
For 80 years, Lubbock Area United Way has worked alongside local nonprofit organizations to address critical needs and create lasting change across the South Plains.
Today, our Community Partners provide essential programs in education, financial stability, health, and safety, helping thousands of individuals and families each year.
From our first campaign to today’s network of Community Partners, Lubbock Area United Way has helped bring organizations together around the South Plains’ most pressing needs.
Today, over 22 partner agencies provide services in education, health, financial stability, and crisis response. In 2025, this network helped impact more than 103,000 lives across the region.
Generations of donors, volunteers, businesses, and nonprofit partners have helped strengthen Lubbock and the South Plains. These numbers represent the collective impact of a community that continues to show up for one another.
Impact figures reflect information currently available and may be updated as additional anniversary records are reviewed.
Lubbock Area United Way’s work is powered by individuals, businesses, foundations, events, and community partners who believe in creating lasting local change.
Together, these contributions help support programs and services that strengthen families and improve lives across our region.
Lubbock Area United Way’s legacy has been built through collaboration. We are proud to celebrate this milestone alongside the businesses and organizations helping us honor 80 years of service and strengthen our community for the future.
Is your business or organization interested in helping Lubbock Area United Way celebrate 80 years of community impact?
For eight decades, Lubbock Area United Way has brought people together to meet critical needs and strengthen our community.
An $80 gift is a meaningful way to honor that legacy and help continue the work for the next generation.
Your support helps local programs provide education, financial stability, health services, crisis response, and opportunities for families across the South Plains.
