Wendy Stevens, age 15, of Beaumont, Texas, for her question:

WHEN WAS THE UNITED WAY STARTED?

United Way of America is the national organization for many local groups that raise money to support welfare, health and recreation agencies. The organization was established in 1918 as Community Chests and Councils of America. It became known as United Way of America in 1970.

Local United Way groups, including United Funds and Community Chests, operate in about 2,500 communities. These various groups combine the fund raising activities of many independent organizations into a single, coordinated campaign.

United Way funds help more than 200 major national organizations including the American Red Cross, Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of the USA, Travelers Aid and the Urban League.

In all, more than 37,000 agencies and programs benefit from United Way.

About 20 million volunteer workers, who are backed by business, labor and government, conduct United Way campaigns. They raise about $1.5 billion a year in contributions from about 40 million individuals and organizations.