The Schuylkill United Way held a Snacks & Facts event Tuesday morning from the Lehigh Carbon Community College’s Morgan campus in Tamaqua.

“We’re excited you’re here today to learn more about the United Way, our agencies and how we collectively have a positive impact in our community,” said Kelly Malone, executive director of the Schuylkill United Way.

Attendees enjoyed baked goods as they listened.

The United Way supports nonprofit health and human service agencies that help the elderly, feed the hungry, shelter the homeless and prepare children for success. It provides the assistance thanks to donations from the community it serves.

The meeting brought guest speakers from the Tamaqua Area Adult Daycare Center and the Nurse Family Partnership, just two of the 16 United Way partner agencies.

The Adult Day Care on East Broad Street is one of the United Way’s newest members.

Colleen Killian, the center’s executive director, said that the board had been discussing how becoming a United Way member could help.

“Let me tell you, they do a lot for us,” Killian said.

She said the center provides a place for folks over the age of 60 or those with disabilities to spend time together. They enjoy breakfast, lunch and snacks each weekday, then play games, complete crafts or attend programs.

Killian said it’s a safe place for seniors to socialize and have fun.

“Once they get involved with one another, it’s a bonding situation,” Killian said. “They get back to talking about the good old days and sharing stories.”

Killian said attendees might have disabilities, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or Parkinson’s disease.

“None of that matters when you are in there together,” she said.

The United Way, she said, provides daily breakfasts, crafting materials and other support.

“They have done wonders for us,” Killian noted. “I’m so glad they took us on.”

While the center’s oldest member is 103, Cathy Miorelli is helping infants - and even the unborn - through Nurse-Family Partnership.

Miorelli, executive director of the Pottsville-based group, said nurses provide home visits to first-time expectant mothers who are in difficult economic situations. They make sure the mother and her unborn child are healthy, and once the baby is born, they provide support until the child turns 2 years old.

“We teach them all the things they need to be a good parent,” Miorelli said.

The Nurse-Family Partnership was founded in 1977, and studies show that it has resulted in a 48% reduction in child abuse and neglect; 67% less behavioral and intellectual problems in children at age 6; and 72% fewer convictions of mothers.

Mark Mikita, the United Way’s 2025 campaign chairman and vice president of the board of directors, said he’s amazed at all the help the United Way provides.

To continue doing its work, it’s hoped that the current campaign raises $1.175 million.

All money, he said, stays in Schuylkill County.

“A little bit counts, even if it is just a couple of dollars a week,” Mikita said.

He noted that 35% of the donations are from individuals, and the remainder is from workplace campaigns.

“You can give and it makes a difference in someone’s life,” Mikita explained.

John Gleisner, president of the United Way board of directors, said the organization is also always thankful for donations of time.

For example, people can help during its Day of Caring on May 11 or help pack backpacks for the annual Stuff the Bus campaign.

Malone encouraged folks to contact the United Way with any questions.

“What we showed you today is just the tip of the iceberg of what the Schuylkill United Way does in Schuylkill County,” she said.

Other member agencies include the Schuylkill YMCA, Tamaqua Area Meals on Wheels, American Red Cross, Avenues, Schuylkill Hope Center, Co-County Wellness Services, Salvation Army, SARCC, Big Impact Group of Schuylkill County, Boy Scouts of America Hawk Mountain Council, Northeast PA Manufacturers and Employers Council, Child Development and the Schuylkill County Society for Crippled Children.

More information about the United Way, its member agencies and how to donate is available at https://schuylkillunitedway.org/.