United Way, partners launch ‘100 Neediest Cases’ program to provide holiday help

For more than a century, the “100 Neediest Cases” program has been helping thousands of families and individuals during the holidays throughout the St. Louis region. Originating in the 1920s as a Christmas festival providing dinner and toys, the tradition evolved into the 100 Neediest Cases program in 1954 through a powerful partnership between United Way of Greater St. Louis and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Last year, the community’s annual donations reached $1.6 million (helping how many families and cases?), showcasing the unwavering commitment of St. Louisans to helping neighbors. Neighbors like single father Mr. J, who is raising his 7-year-old daughter with epilepsy. Currently unemployed and the sole caregiver for his daughter, Mr. J needs assistance with school supplies, uniforms, food, clothing, and medication. Adopting a family like Mr. J’s can profoundly impact and provide relief during challenging times.

“The need is greater than ever,” emphasizes Becky White, direct services program manager with United Way of Greater St. Louis. “This year, more than 5,000 children, families and seniors will be helped through this program, a 12% increase from 2022. Your support gives our neighbors a glimmer of hope and a reason to smile this season.”

How to help this holiday season:

• Adopt a family: Sign up today to make a lasting impact on a neighbor in need.
• Donate: Every dollar raised for the 100 Neediest Cases program goes directly to helping families throughout the St. Louis region.
• Fundraise: Encourage family and friends to contribute to an adopted family through the fundraising platform.

The 100 Neediest Cases program works with 58 local service agencies to identify families that need additional help. Every dollar raised goes directly to help people. United Way of Greater St. Louis, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, and 58 area social service agencies absorb all administrative and fundraising costs. Every case submitted to United Way receives a gift, and stories are featured in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. For more information, visit www.100neediestcases.org.

 

About United Way of Greater St. Louis    

United Way of Greater St. Louis unites people, resources, and funding to help build strong and equitable communities across a 16-county region in Missouri and Illinois. United Way’s impact on the community includes equipping over 160 local nonprofits with vital funding and training resources, operating the largest Volunteer Center in the region, and connecting local neighbors to providers of services through its 211 Helpline. For more information, contact (314) 421-0700 or visit www.HelpingPeople.org.