I Care

Checked boxes over a red heart with red and white text over white background. 

The Community Chest movement gained popularity in the early 20th century as a philanthropic effort, combining disparate charities and fundraising groups into a more cohesive network. The ‘Community Chest’ was originally inspired by the “Charity Organization Society,” and became prominent during the years surrounding World War I, with the first official “Community Fund,” established in Cleveland, Ohio in 1913.

Organizing community endowment funds intended for altruistic purposes, the Community Chest grew in the years between the World Wars, creating merchandise and other ephemera advocating their cause throughout the height of their growth under this particular name iteration. Along with pinback buttons being created as military accolades at this time, philanthropist and philanthropic organizations began to create and wear buttons showcasing their charities and touting their efforts, “I Care!” or “I Gave!” to represent doing their part in the war effort and to highlight their participation in one’s civic duties.

As of June 2025, there continue to be local organizations that utilize the Community Chest title, but in 1963, after several name changes, the Community Chest organization became officially known as United Way. Remnants of the once popular Community Chest movement can be found in the Monopoly board game, where players draw from a stack of cards labeled “Community Chest,” with hopes that their draw will bring them good fortune. The United Way has grown exponentially in the years since its founding, now operating internationally with over 1800 local affiliates.