United Way of Central Florida — you've likely seen and heard its name before, but how much do you know about what it actually does? As the organization gets ready to celebrate its 80th year, we took a deep dive into all that it does to improve the lives of others across Lakeland and beyond. Spoiler alert: It does quite a bit.

The origin story

In 1944, United Way of Central Florida (UWCF) was established to serve the greater Lakeland area by putting money back into the community through partner agencies. In 1980, the organization merged with the Bartow + Winter Haven chapters to officially become UWCF.

Today, it covers the largest geographical area of any United Way in Florida by serving Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties through its 70+ partner agencies (think: Camp Fire Sunshine, VISTE, and Salvation Army).

How it serves

UWCF aims to improve the lives of community members by providing support for basic needs like health, education, financial stability, and disaster recovery.

Each year, more than 100 UWCF volunteers, known as Community Investment Teams, evaluate how funds should be allocated so that the greatest needs are always being supported. For the last several years, education has been a core focus, with more than 50% of the organization's funds going towards that pillar.

Publix has been a key donor for UWCF as far back as the 1990s. | Photo courtesy of @uwcf

These funds are primarily generated through donations from various corporate + private partners. "Polk County is one of the most philanthropic communities in the country," said Katherine Fitzwater, UWCF's VP of Marketing and Communications. "There's so much passion from our partner agencies and volunteers."

Fun fact: Publix Super Markets is not only the largest donor to UWCF, but is the largest donor to United Way Worldwide, surpassing global companies like UPS and Walmart with its giving.

What's next

While UWCF may have 80 years under its belt, its work is only just beginning. Later this year, the organization plans to launch a community dashboard in partnership with the GiveWell Community Foundation that will regularly compile data from census, education, and economic reports to increase transparency into community needs + help scale organizational programming.

Additionally, UWCF recently launched its Community Wellness Initiative in partnership with a grant from Polk County, specifically focusing on prevention, early intervention, and behavioral health. The initiative also utilizes volunteers to educate indigent residents about the Polk HealthCare Plan, which is funded by a voter approved, half-cent sales surtax and administered by Polk County’s Indigent Health Care section.

Legendary Lakelanders Carol and Barney Barnett founded ReadingPals in 2012 as a statewide early learning initiative to help improve literacy. | Photo courtesy of @uwcf

How to get involved

To continue its bold + important work, UWCF is always accepting volunteers. One of its highest areas of need is its ReadingPals program, where adults 18 years and older get paired with PCPS kindergartners to provide consistent mentorship and reading help during the school year.

Coming up on Thursday, May 23, UWCF will kick off its 80th year in style at its annual celebration event at The Polk Theatre, featuring performances by Harrison School for the Arts Dance department and Harrison graduate and Broadway performer, Quentin Earl Darrington. Individual tickets + event sponsorships start at $80.