History
United Way of Story County was incorporated in 1953 as the Ames United Fund, Inc. – but was commonly referred to as the Ames Community Chest. The first annual campaigns were conducted by volunteers who went door to door asking for donations. Area citizens who were interested in donating turned on their porch lights so the volunteers would know they should stop. The first goal was $27,925 and the actual amount donated was $38,864. In 1985, the name of the organization officially changed to United Way of Story County.

Original Partner Agencies
American Cancer Society
 Community Christmas Baskets
Business Girls’ YWCA
 Girl Scouts
Boy Scouts
 Salvation Army
Camp Fire Girls
 Womens’ Club School Health Program
College YWCA
 YMCA

Original Board of Directors
G. Roger Alley
 B.D. Houck
Mrs. H.W. Black
Harry R. McPhail
Richard K. Bliss
Hollis J. Nordyke
Ray Donels
Rev. Robert W. Pinnell
Norman P. Dunlap
Mrs. Wm. Schrampfer
Dr. Joe G. Fellows
Stuart N. Smith
Mortimer Goodwin
Don S. Stevens
Harold O. Hegland
Marshall Townsend
M.D. Helser
P.J. Walter
John L. Holmes
Kenneth Wells
Earl Holtz

 
Combined Federal Campaign 2007