Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Special Edition T-shirts

United Way of Franklin County is offering VIVA UNIDOS apparel to the community for Hispanic Heritage Month. All proceeds will benefit UWFC's vision to build a community where ALL individuals and families achieve their potential.

Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. In celebration of the Hispanic communities in Franklin County and across the nation, United Way of Franklin County (UWFC) is featuring a limited-edition "VIVA UNIDOS" T-shirt design, available on our online apparel shop.

“Hispanic-Americans make contributions in many fields that enable the greatness of America...This is why it is important we take the time locally to recognize, honor, and celebrate our Hispanic neighbors for their significant contributions to our community.”

The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30 day period.

Hispanic-Americans make contributions in many fields that enable the greatness of America. Their contributions to the arts, sports, public service, military, research and development, non-profit organizations, civil rights, politics, business, agriculture, and the service industry enable America to maintain its competitiveness, relevance and position in the global landscape as the leader of the free world. This is why it is important we take the time locally to recognize, honor, and celebrate our Hispanic neighbors for their significant contributions to our community.

In Franklin County, approximately 6% of the population is Hispanic or Latino. This is the largest racial group after Caucasian (US Census, 2018). Within the Borough of Chambersburg, the Hispanic community significantly increases to 17.6% of residents (Data USA). Local Hispanic residents have roots in countries across the globe, but there are larger populations of citizens with origins from Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua.

As UWFC strives to include diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in our daily work (view our Statement of Diversity and Inclusion), we're excited to release this special edition, "VIVA UNIDOS" (live united), design in our online apparel shop to celebrate our Hispanic neighbors. Featuring all of the flags from Central and South American countries, as well as the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and United States, the design includes the United Way Credo in Spanish on the back: "United Way fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community."

Proceeds from shop sales will be used through UWFC to support Franklin County programs addressing early learning, healthy living, and financial stability. Through the online apparel shop, we aim to spread awareness of the strength and power of minority groups in coordination with national months - such as Hispanic Heritage Month. If you have any ideas of groups UWFC can spotlight throughout the year, please contact Amy Weibley: 717-262-0015 ext. 103.