Baxter YMCA (wibc.com photo by Mike Wilson)

Eli Lilly is giving a record-breaking gift to the United Way. Employees, retirees, and a matching contribution from the Lilly Foundation push the donation near the $12.5 million mark. It's the largest gift in the company's history.

Lilly C.E.O. John Lechleiter presented the check to United Way officials at the Baxter YMCA on the city's south side. Lechleiter said in a statement that the gift is "a testament to the caring hearts of Lilly employees who each year go above and beyond to support those in need."  

More than $8 million will go to United Way of Central Indiana with a focus on reading and early childhood education programs. 

(This story will be updated.)