Cresskill UNICO, Inc. is the Cresskill, New Jersey chapter of UNICO National, Inc.

UNICO National, Inc. is the largest Italian-American service organization in the United States. It dates back to 1922 when fifteen men led by Dr. Anthony P. Vastola met in Waterbury, Connecticut. They chartered his dream of forming a service group comprised of men of Italian heritage who perform charitable, education and patriotic deeds for the benefit of their fellowmen and country.

The name UNICO was chosen as it means "unique" in Italian. It asks its members to make sacrifices, not for personal gain, but for service to others. Later, the letters in UNICO were to represent the attributes it looked for in its members; Unity, Neighborliness, Integrity, Charity and Opportunity to serve others.

UNICO National has one hundred forty five chapters throughout the country. Membership is made up of Italian-American men and men married to Italian-American women. Many chapters also have active ladies auxiliaries.

One of the first programs supported by UNICO National was scholarship. Over the years millions of dollars have been awarded to students across the country. Currently, UNICO National supports five scholarships with its chapters awarding more than 100 additional scholarships.

Additionally, on the education front, UNICO National has spearheaded the drive to establish permanent Italian Studies Chairs at universities throughout the country. To date, a permanent chair and fellowship has been established at the University of Connecticut. In addition, a campaign for a permanent chair is nearing completion, a year ahead of schedule, at Seton Hall University in New Jersey. Also, a campaign is in progress at California State University - Long Beach; and another is in progress at the University of Missouri.

UNICO National recognizes outstanding individuals with awards, such as the Americanism Award, Cianci Humanitarian Award, Rizzuto Award, Vastola Award (open only to members), Marconi Science Award, Gay Talese Professional Writer Award, and the Ella T. Grasso Amateur Writer Award.

Substantial funds have also been donated to Mental Health Research programs, Cooley's Anemia Research programs (a blood disorder affecting children of Mediterranean decent), and Toy Drives for underprivileged and handicapped children throughout the country.

Thousands of children have been sent to camp and hundreds of thousands of dollars raised for local charities and in support of local drives. UNICO National took an active part in the Ellis Island/Save the Lady Campaign, assisted in improving Immigration Laws and provided financial support in times of national disaster such as the hurricane in Florida and the earthquake in California. Funds were also raised for the devastating earthquakes that hit Italy in the sixties and eighties.

Every dollar collected for these charities by UNICO National goes directly to the charity. No funds are deducted for administration costs.

UNICO National observes Columbus Day with parades, wreath-laying ceremonies and other appropriate celebrations.

UNICO National has an active Anti-Bias Committee to combat the negative stereotyping of Italian-Americans in the media and elsewhere. Recently the committee co-sponsored, with the Anti-Defamation League, a Debt to Honor Program. This program is designed to make the public aware of the Italian's efforts to save the Jews during the holocaust.