BUTTE – The United Way of Butte and Anaconda has had deep roots in the mining town since 1949. The organization has operated under different names over the years, but its mission has always been the same: to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities to promote the common good.
“We are the pillar of our community and hope to help everyone thrive in it. That’s why we also reach out to those who may fall through the cracks,” says Juliann Crnich, executive director of United Way of Butte and Anaconda.
Over the years, the United Way has had offices in various locations around town, but recently it settled into a new building on Harrison Avenue. Crnich says she wants Butte to know that they remain committed to the community as they celebrate their Diamond Jubilee: 75 years of serving the mining town.
When Valley Bank, formerly Glacier Bank, completed the renovation of its Harrison Avenue building, it deeded a building on its property to the United Way branch.
“It’s great. We have a presence. We have our sign,” Crnich says. “You can see it from the street and it was a good move.”
Crnich says the fundraisers are funded by the donations the organization receives. At its last event, 103 children were able to prepare for the school year with the annual Dress a Child drive, where volunteers work with children to purchase new clothes and shoes.
Crnich says United Way impacted over 9,700 individuals and families in the community last year. The next event will be held during the annual Christmas Walk in Uptown Butte.
For more information on how you can get involved with the United Way of Butte and Anaconda, visit their website.
