Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
COMMUNITY CHEST
COMMUNITY CHEST. The Community Chests in the United States and Canada were fund-raising organizations that collected money from local businesses and workers and distributed it to community projects. The first Community Chest, "Community Fund", was founded in 1913 in Cleveland, Ohio, by the Federation for Charity and Philanthropy. The number of Community Chest organizations increased from 39 to 353 between 1919 and 1929, and surpassed 1,000 by 1948. (1)
A special committee of the Chamber of Commerce was instrumental in combining the fund drives of the Dubuque Boy Scouts, DUBUQUE BOYS' CLUB, YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION (Y.M.C.A.), YOUNG WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION (Y.W.C.A.), Sunshine Circle, MOUNT PLEASANT HOME, HILLCREST BABY FOLD, Salvation Army, and DUBUQUE VISITING NURSE ASSOCIATION into Dubuque's Community Chest.
On June 24th, 1920 the first Community Chest Drive, a one-day activity, was carried in Dubuque. The object was to raise $25,000 for municipal projects during the year. These projects included a fall festival, $5,000 for the American Legion, fireworks for July 4th, and $2,500 for the municipal bathing beach. Factories were visited with workers asked to pledge one hour's pay. (2)
Drives were carried out annually. Those who contributed were awarded red plastic feathers. Companies which met their goals were awarded Red Feather award cards. (3)
In 1963 Community Chest was renamed United Way.
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Source:
1. "Community Chest," Wikipedia, Online: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Community_Chest_(organization)
2. "Community Chest Complete by Noon," Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, June 23, 1920, p. 7
3. "Red Feathers To Go to 56 More Firms," Telegraph Herald, October 29, 1951