United Way of Laredo has served the community for over 75 years with the sole goal to raise and provide funds for local nonprofits. Inspired by the idea of taking care of charities and social agencies with one fund drive the Laredo Community Chest was formed in August of 1945 with 24 directors. For the forst two years Elmore H. Borchers served as Chest president and William N. Hall served as chairman of the Chest. The first campaign began on October 10, 1045 with a goal of $50,000 to meet the requests of six agencies, The Salvation Army. Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl’s Oprhanage, Boy’s Orphanage, and the United War Chest. The Quota was met on November 13, 1945 with a grand total of $50,328.33. In 1963, a new charter was obtained in order to broaden the membership of Community Chest from all over Texas to include national health charities as well as local charities, this led to the United Fund of Lared. In 1984, the United Fund was changed to the United Way of Laredo. Today United Way of Laredo provides assistance to 23 agencies to provide food & shelter, youth & education, health & safety, and 211 assistance services to the community to fulfill its most pressing needs.