REMOTE/VIRTUAL VOLUNTEERING
You can help make a difference in Lake County.
Collect Basic School Supplies
You can help us collect wide-ruled composition books, wide-ruled notebooks, #2 pencils, sharpeners, Crayola crayons, Crayola markers, erasers, folders, dry-erase markers, and blunt-tip scissors. We will distribute these supplies to local school districts to keep learners active with school. To set up a drop-off date and time, please get in touch with Angela.Ramirez@uwlakeco.org. Our office is located at 330 S. Greenleaf St, Gurnee, IL 60031.
Donate Diapers
United Way of Lake County's Better Together Program is seeking diaper donations. The program's goal is to build a community where parents can learn how to become their child's first teacher and provide a safe place where children can develop the physical and cognitive skills crucial to their education. Please help fill this critical need by donating diapers or Pull-Ups, sizes 4-6. To set up a drop-off date and time, please contact Rosa.Herrera@uwlakeco.org.
Encouragement Bookmarks
Using positive and kind words can create a supportive and encouraging environment for young learners, inspiring them to develop a love for reading and confidently grow their literacy skills. Gather up your card stock, markers, stickers, and any other fun crafting items and write some words of encouragement and decorations on a bookmark for kids to return to when they save their place in a book. Please make at least five bookmarks with words and designs to encourage young readers. We encourage bilingual messages (English/Spanish). Bookmarks can be mailed to 330 S. Greenleaf St, Gurnee, IL 60031. You can tag us at @UnitedWayLakeCo.
Let's Pack a Lunch
Homemade lunches are healthier and more budget-friendly than fast food or cafeteria options. Help women living in shelters re-enter the workplace by providing insulated lunch bags, thermoses, and water bottles. Take along wet wipes and hand sanitizers are always great additions. Please drop-off at the United Way of Lake County office at 330 S. Greenleaf, Gurnee, IL 60031.
Literacy Kits for New Readers
Learning to read can be fun with the right resources. Please help us help our new readers by creating literacy kits for adults learning to read or improving their reading skills. Each kit can contain a notebook, post-it notes, pens and pencils, highlighters, and a motivational bookmark. To schedule a drop-off at United Way of Lake County’s office (330 S Greenleaf St, Gurnee), contact Angela.Ramirez@uwlakeco.org.
Notes of Encouragement
Homebound seniors and veterans are isolated and cut off from their family and friends. Writing letters of encouragement or creating cheerful cards can be an excellent way to brighten their day and provide some connection to the world again. Please consider writing letters or making cards to send to a senior living center or a veteran center. For a list of Long-Term Care facilities, contact Bobbi.Selvik@uwlakeco.org.
Sock Drive
No one should go without warm, dry socks. Too often, those experiencing home displacement find themselves in need of these essential items. Please help us collect new socks of various children and adult (women/men) sizes. You can drop it off at PADS Lake County at 1800 Grand Ave., Waukegan, IL—Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please ring the bell and staff will come to the door and collect your donations.
Stylus for Kids
As student's educational landscapes change, so do their needs. More students are equipped with touchscreen devices for learning. Stylus pens make a great accessory to encourage them to learn and succeed in the classroom. Help students keep styling with stylus pens. Donations can be dropped off at the United Way of Lake County's office.
Tissues for Teachers
Please help us keep classrooms healthy by collecting facial tissues. With the cold season quickly approaching, help teachers combat classroom germs with a supply of facial tissues. Please get in touch with Angela.Ramirez@uwlakeco.org to schedule drop-off times at United Way of Lake County’s office (330 S Greenleaf St, Gurnee).
“Take Care” Packages for Migrant Families
In partnership with the City of Highland Park and the Village of Wilmette, SaLT launched the "Take Care" Packages initiative in January 2024. This project aims to support migrant families transitioning to Chicago suburbs while awaiting transfer to the Chicago Processing Center. Each package symbolizes the collective commitment to fostering inclusivity and support for all community members. You can support his project by collecting travel-sized lotions, body wash, shampoo, Chupa Chups candies, and lip balm in a drawstring bag. Only new and unused items, please. To schedule a drop-off, contact Bobbi.Selvik@uwlakeco.org.
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Contact Bobbi Selvik at Bobbi.Selvik@uwlakeco.org or (847) 775-1022
