Jeanette Manago, age 15, of Billings, Mont., 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 health, recreation and welfare 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 operate in more than 2,300 communities. These groups combine the fund raising activities of many independent organizations into a single, coordinated campaign.

United Way funds actually help more than 200 major national organizations, including the American Red Cross, the Girl and Boy Scouts, Travelers Aid and the Urban League. In all, more than 37,000 agenices 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 close to $2 billion each year in contributions from more than 29 million individuals and corporations.