Local United Way celebrates 75 years

SALISBURY, Md. – The United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore celebrated 75 years of helping the community Monday at Salisbury University.

The organization was founded in 1944 as the Chest of Wicomico County and continues work to help people with programs, money, and volunteer hours.

On display during the big party were pieces of history from across the decades.

While the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore continues its work to adapt to helping people in the modern world, they say their main focus will continue being on health, education, financial stability.

“Here on the lower shore, 46-percent of our households struggle to make ends meet every day. They’re working families, but they really still struggle to meet all those bills and obligations. So helping those families and bridge those gaps and helping to stabilize our community is a big focus of ours,” said Pam Gregory, the organization’s President and CEO.

Also on display was art work from local middle and high school students who participated in the United Way’s Addiction Awareness Art Competition.