Donald Allan, Jr. Named United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut’s Community Service Award; Women’s League Receives the Inaugural Onward860 Champion Award
Hartford, Conn. (March 2, 2026) — Donald Allan, Jr., Executive Chair of Stanley Black & Decker, was honored with United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut’s 2025 Community Service Award, its highest volunteer honor. In addition, Women’s League Child Development Center received the inaugural Onward860 Champion Award. Both recognitions were presented at United Way’s Leadership Reception, which honors and uplifts those whose deep involvement is helping the organization work toward ending poverty in the 860 region.
“Don’s unwavering support of United Way’s mission, and his outstanding leadership during the pandemic, are exactly what makes him the perfect recipient of the Community Service Award. We admire his commitment and ability to apply his business experience to our practices, which allowed us to streamline and enhance our administrative performance as organization,” shared Eric Harrison, President and CEO, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut.
Donald Allan Jr., who recently retired from a long, successful career at Stanley Black & Decker, started his service as member of United Way’s Investment Committee in 2015. He also served as Treasurer from 2015 to 2018 before taking the lead as United Way’s Board of Directors Chair from 2019 to 2022.
The Community Service Award is United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut’s highest volunteer honor. The recognition is given in memory of Dr. Frederick G. Adams, a former member of United Way’s Board of Directors and community leader.
United Way also presented the inaugural Onward860 Champion Award to Women’s League Child Development Center. This recognition was created to celebrate strategic partners that, through their trajectory and partnership, create an impact by changing community conditions in child literacy, wages, housing and/or life expectancy.
“Women’s League is a tremendous organization. They were our first community partner more than 100 years ago, and our strong collaboration continues today. We are pleased to share a commitment to make quality, affordable child care available in our community. Women’s League, and its leadership, reflect the strong values and beliefs that guides this work, and we are honored to recognize them as the inaugural recipient of the Onward860 Champion Award,” added Harrison.
More information about the 2025 Community Service Award and Onward860 Champion Award honorees can be found in United Way’s 2025 Community Impact Report, available at unitedwayinc.org/publications
About United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut
United Way mobilizes resources and aligns strategic partners to end poverty in the 860 region by closing gaps in child literacy, housing, wages and life expectancy with the goal of a region where there are equal opportunities for everyone to succeed. For more information, visit unitedwayinc.org.
Media Contact: Anyeline Céspedes López | United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut | acespedes@unitedwayinc.org | 787.502-0436.