Care for Our Community Story
Leading the Way with United Way
Why are Hallmark and Crayola leading supporters of the United Way in their respective communities—the greater Kansas City area and Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania? Because with thousands of nonprofits in our communities, United Way is the one looking out for the good of the entire community. The United Way is focused on the essentials of building a strong community: health, education and financial stability.
“Both Hallmark and Crayola are deeply committed to supporting our local communities, and United Way of Greater Kansas City and United Way of Greater Lehigh Valley provide a way that we can get involved and support our friends and neighbors,” said Amy Winterscheidt, Hallmark’s community involvement director. “Many of our employees have needed assistance or know someone who received assistance from United Way, so their decision to support United Way is a personal one that is especially meaningful.”
In Easton, Pennsylvania, Crayola supported Paxinosa Elementary School as part of the United Way of Greater Lehigh Valley’s Community School program. This program turns a school from a place where students spend their day learning into a community hub with resources such as a food pantry, clothing closet and referral services. Crayola employees gave their time to enrich the students’ experience at school by participating in activities such as Read Across America Day, the school block party and holiday party, and delivering school supplies to classrooms.
“Crayola is a proud corporate partner of the United Way of Greater Lehigh, especially in the Community Schools program,” said Colleen McGee, Crayola’s manager of community relations. “Throughout the school year, Crayolians can often be seen throughout the building enjoying time with students, families and staff.”
In 2019, Hallmark and Crayola donated $2.23 million to United Way. Hallmark was the second largest corporate supporter of United Way of Greater Kansas City with $1.88 million contributed. Crayola is in the top five contributors to United Way of Greater Lehigh Valley at almost $800,000 in employee pledges, fundraising and corporate contributions.