The Unico Hazleton Chapter represents over seven decades of dedicated community service, having been established in 1950 as Pennsylvania's pioneering UNICO organization. Rooted in the vision of uniting Italian Americans around shared values of civic responsibility and charitable giving, this Hazleton, PA-based organization has grown to include more than 40 passionate members who embody the spirit of service that defines their mission. Founded on the Italian word "Unico," meaning unique and one of a kind, the organization was built on a revolutionary premise for its time: placing community service above fraternity itself. The founders envisioned an organization that would demonstrate the loyalty, patriotism, and cultural pride of Italian Americans while making tangible differences in their local communities. Today, Unico Hazleton continues this legacy by providing critical assistance to area charities through fundraisers, donations, and volunteer efforts. The chapter takes particular pride in supporting higher education, preserving Italian immigrant heritage and culture, and fostering civic mindedness among members and the broader Hazleton community. With a steadfast commitment to the principles of Unity, Neighborliness, Integrity, Charity, and Opportunity, Unico Hazleton remains a beacon of community engagement and Italian American cultural celebration in northeastern Pennsylvania.
Hazleton, PA