Sr. Chamber of Commerce voted unanimously recommending the organization of a Community Chest.  On September 22, 1941, the first meeting was held.  The first campaign was held for one week and raised $14,065.  Partners included YWCA and Boy Scouts, both still today.

Campaign raised $42,354.

Red feather adopted as the national symbol of the Community Chest.

Hastings Community Chest became Hastings United Way.  Campaign raised $102,000.

Campaign reached $197,075.  Largest increase recorded at 63%.

Campaign reached $227,445.

Hastings United Way name change to United Way of the Hastings Area.

Campaign raised $318,000.

The “Inez C. Peterson Citizenship Award” was established.  The first Annual United Way Golf Classic was held at Lochland Country Club.

United Way of the Hastings Area name changed to United Way of South Central Nebraska.

Campaign raised $406,000.

The Endowment Fund was created at the Hastings Community Foundation.  The Community Partnership Award was established.

Born Learning Trail established at Libs Park with Hastings College Future Teachers.

Campaign raised $454,500. First United Way Day of Service was held.

The United Way moved to the Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce building.

The Get Connected program started.  United Way was awarded the Non-Profit Business of the Year by the Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce.

Campaign raised $508,074.  Dolly Parton Imagination Library begins providing books to local children.