Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) presented a record-breaking gift of $12.4 million to the United Way. As the largest gift in the company’s history, the donation represents the contributions of Lilly’s U.S. employees and retirees, plus a matching gift from the Lilly Foundation.

Lilly Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer John C. Lechleiter, Ph.D., presented the check to United Way officials Monday at the Baxter YMCA in Indianapolis. The funds will help support the United Way of Central Indiana as well as other local United Ways nationwide.

“I’m proud to lead a company whose employees are so incredibly dedicated to supporting the communities where we live, work and serve patients,” Lechleiter said. “This record-breaking gift of more than $12 million is a testament to the caring hearts of Lilly employees who each year go above and beyond to support those in need.”

The gift edges out Lilly’s 2011 United Way gift of $12.3 million. Lilly employees also were generous with their time, contributing more than 171,000 volunteer hours this year through initiatives such as the Lilly Global Day of Service, an annual day of community and charitable projects. Additionally, employees supported fundraising drives such as Back Pack Attack and the Goodwill Clothing Drive by donating school supplies, clothing and other necessities.

“Taken together, these contributions of time and resources provide the most valuable of outcomes: the chance for thousands of children and families across the country to learn more, earn more, and lead healthier lives,” Lechleiter said.