Despite the many challenges and changes this year, you helped us accomplish so much! Thank you for supporting our mission to create lasting change in the Lake County community. We are grateful for your kindness and generosity. Wishing you a happy and healthy holiday season.
– Your friends at United Way of Lake County
Lake County’s Guide to Holiday Giving & Volunteering
Each holiday season, we publish our Holiday Guide that includes giving and volunteer opportunities throughout Lake County. The guide also includes agency wish lists and contact information for food pantries to help our neighbors in need.
When we work together to support our community, we all flourish, making Lake County a truly enviable place to live and work for all.
Volunteers Spread Holiday Cheer to Local Families
Volunteers from Snap-On Credit and ITW came out to spread holiday cheer through the Catholic Charities Christmas gift program by distributing gifts, toys and necessities to families who might otherwise not be able to celebrate the holiday season. This volunteer event is an annual favorite and everyone was so happy to participate again after taking a year off.
Thank you to all our “elves” who came out to help distribute gifts and for making the holidays so special for these families! With donor and corporate support, Catholic Charities was able to grant holiday wishes to more than 8,000 children and families this year.
211 is Here for You
The end-of-year holiday season is a stressful time for many people, especially this year. Please know that our 211 helpline is here for you and accessible 24/7. Whether you are seeking help with rent and utility assistance, food, mental health services, or other health and human services—call 211 or text your zip code to 898211 to get connected to available resources.
A Gift to Support Children and Families in Lake County
Now through December 23, you can DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT for our neighbors and children who need help now more than ever.
A gift to United Way of Lake County will make it possible for us to have an even bigger impact on our local community to improve and save lives. This year, your gift goes further thanks to Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County who is matching all new or increased gifts up to $10K through December 23.
The tough work that is needed to help Lake County recover and rebuild is the work we do every day. We’re equipping local children, youth and families with tools to build a path to education and lifelong success, and we’re connecting people with life-changing support. When we put it all together, we’re reimagining a more equitable, resilient Lake County where everyone can thrive.
Company Spotlight: Buehler
United Way of Lake County is proud to highlight our partner, Buehler, and all that their colleagues have been doing to help improve lives in Lake County.
Despite a challenging year, Buehler colleagues found ways to get involved and make a difference. Recently, Buehler partnered with us and Family Focus to spread holiday cheer by collecting gifts to fulfill local families’ wish lists.
Earlier this year, Buehler held an employee giving campaign in support of United Way of Lake County. Buehler’s HR Generalist, Stephane Antonopoulos and her team did an incredible job creating unique and exciting ways to engage their colleagues. They had a Food Truck onsite on kick-off day, balloon dart games, and even cooked their own bacon outside to sell fresh BLTs. Together, these unique events raised over $5,900 for United Way of Lake County’s programs, which will be generously matched by the ITW Foundation.
We are grateful for our partnership with Buehler and their ongoing commitment to support United Way of Lake County. Together, we will continue to make a lasting impact on the lives of many children and families in Lake County.
Introducing New Team Members
We recently welcomed three new women to our United Way family; Michelle Sanchez joined us as our Donor Relations Account Manager, Alina Mozo is Executive Assistant to our President and CEO, and Jessica Ceisel joined as our Community Engagement Coordinator.
Learn more about their roles, what they like to do in their free time, and how they connect with our programs by clicking each of their names below.
United Way of Lake County recently welcomed three new members to our 2021-22 Board of Directors: Sandi Johnson, Principal of Clearview Elementary School; Tara Thomas, Academic Enrichment Coordinator at Zion Elementary School District; and Capt. Jason J. Williamson, Commanding Officer at the Great Lakes Naval Station.
“We are thrilled to welcome our newest board members,” said Kristi Long, President & CEO. “Their leadership skills, talents, expertise and genuine interest in our mission make them an asset to our diverse board and the organization.”
Expanding the board has also been a key component of our DEI efforts, and we are honored to introduce our newest board members who bring a wealth of experience and offer deep connections to the communities we serve. We are proud to have such an accomplished group of leaders help steer United Way of Lake County forward and advance our commitment to building a more equitable Lake County.
Lake County’s Guide to Holiday Giving & Volunteering
Each holiday season, we publish our Holiday Guide that includes giving and volunteer opportunities throughout Lake County. The guide also includes agency wish lists and contact information for food pantries to help our neighbors in need.
When we work together to support our community, we all flourish, making Lake County a truly enviable place to live and work for all.
Save the Date! Double Your Impact for Our Neighbors in Need
Starting November 23, you can DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT for our neighbors and children who need help now more than ever.
A gift to United Way of Lake County will make it possible for us to have an even bigger impact on our local community to improve and save lives. This year, your gift goes further thanks to Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County who is matching all new or increased gifts up to $10K through December 23.
The tough work that is needed to help Lake County recover and rebuild is the work we do every day. We’re equipping local children, youth and families with tools to build a path to education and lifelong success, and we’re connecting people with life-changing support. When we put it all together, we’re reimagining a more equitable, resilient Lake County where everyone can thrive.
Watch for details next week!
United Way Ranked #1 Charitable Organization
United Way was recently ranked number one charity by the Chronicle of Philanthropy. The NonProfit Times also announced that United Way has moved up to the number two spot on their revenue rankings list for FY2020, and is number one in public support.
Power of the Purse Raises Record $67K for Early Education
Nearly 200 generous women joined forces both in person and virtually on Sunday, November 7, to raise a record total $67K in support of early education programs that will ensure the foundation for strong and successful academic futures for Lake County’s most vulnerable children.
The money was raised through Women United’s signature annual fundraising event, Power of the Purse, which celebrates women, friendship and philanthropy. This year’s Power of the Purse was a first-ever hybrid event with both a sold-out champagne brunch at Royal Melbourne Country Club and an online buying and bidding shopping experience featuring dozens of trendy designer bags, silent auction purses, baskets and items. In addition, women also had the opportunity to send underserved children to Kindergarten Countdown Camp for incoming kindergarten students with little to no preschool experience, as well as buy books and toys for preschool learning centers in Lake County’s low-income communities.
“We couldn’t be happier with the outcome of this year’s event,” said event chair, Judy Kotsiopoulos. “It’s our most successful Power of the Purse to date and the first time we have held an in-person event with an online option. It was wonderful to see the enthusiasm from our members and friends who truly care about early childhood education in Lake County.”
‘Wine and Learn’ About Women United
Finish 2021 with new possibilities! You’re invited to join Women United on December 7 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. on Zoom for our last Wine and Learn prospective member meeting of 2021.
Whether you have been wanting to learn more or just learned about Women United, we hope you will join us to hear how WU bring together amazing women, serves the community and has so much fun making a difference.
There is so much to share about this great group and the amazing women who make it special. Please RSVP by December 3 to Alina.Mozo@uwlakeco.org and she will send you the details.
Alight Adds Sensory Paths to Waukegan School
Volunteers from Alight installed two sensory paths at Glen Flora Elementary in Waukegan. A sensory path is a multipurpose tool for educators. It can help an overwhelmed student refocus and redirect nervous energy, enrich math and reading skills, and can be used as a reward or even for indoor play.
The Alight volunteers spent several hours preparing the components then placing them in a fun and engaging arrangement so that students can best benefit from these wonderful spaces. Thank you, Alight, for this wonderful gift to Glen Flora Elementary!
Hispanic Heritage Books Delivered to Schools
Our Hispanic Heritage Month Book Drive was a success! Funds from this drive allowed us to share more than 50 Spanish language books with East Elementary in Zion and Oakdale Elementary in Waukegan.
This drive helped to increase access to books promoting a positive equity message for young readers. Stories in a familiar language or with relatable characters only encourages the love of reading. Reading is one of the great equalizers in our society. A great book opens so many possibilities for children.
Thank you to all the donors who made these gifts possible.
211 in the News
Thank you to Comcast for shining a spotlight on United Way of Lake County’s 211! Watch Community Connection host Cindy Bravos interview Kristi Long to learn more about this vital community resource and the tremendous impact 211 has made in just two years. The segment is currently airing on Comcast OnDemand and CN100.TV.
We’re Hiring: VP, Community Impact
We are looking for an excellent leader to join our team as Vice President of Community Impact. If you know of anyone who might be a good fit, we encourage you to share this opportunity with them.
