We are thrilled to share that we exceeded our goal for this year’s Stuff the Bus school supply drive! We prepared 2,200 backpacks full of supplies and 900 grade-specific supplementary string bags, which were distributed to students at Waukegan Public Schools’ Back to School Resource Fair. Since then, we’ve continued to receive many more donations and we will continue to work with local communities to get these supplies in the hands of the children who need them.
Thank you to the dozens of companies and donors who supported this drive, the 80+ volunteers who donated their time to pack, sort, and stuff each backpack, and our incredible partner, Waukegan Public School’s F.A.C.E Department.
We are so proud that together we have ensured so many more children will have the supplies they need to succeed during this new school year!
Women United Brings Back-to-School Fun to Waukegan
Women United‘s Corporate Future Leaders of Color cohort, volunteers, sororities and the Waukegan Public Library all came together to organize a free “Back to School Fun Fest” at Whispering Oaks Apartments in Waukegan. Around 225 children and families joined for food, dancing, games, activities, hair cuts, face painting, and more.
Thank you to our Women United members and partners for making this fun family event such a success!
Now Available: Kindergarten Readiness Calendars
Our new bilingual Kindergarten Readiness Calendars are now available! They are free, a great resource for families, designed for preschool-age children and filled with activities to help families get ready for the first day of kindergarten.
You can place an order to pick up calendars at our office using our online order form. Indicate what time you would like to pick up your calendars in the “additional comments” section of the form. Pick-ups are available by appointment only, Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., at 330 S. Greenleaf St, Gurnee, IL.
Trustmark is a longtime supporter of United Way of Lake County for decades and continues to be one of our most generous corporate partners. We are thrilled to spotlight their incredible commitment to giving back and the impact they are making right here in Lake County.
Every year, Trustmark associates rally together for the Trustmark Cares® United Way Campaign to support essential needs in our community. They are helping us ensure all children have critical educational opportunities and can follow the path to success, and struggling neighbors and families can connect with lifechanging support through 211. When the pandemic hit, Trustmark was among the first to step in and offer support to help nonprofits serving our most vulnerable neighbors with emergency assistance.
Associates also give freely of their time through community service. Trustmark associates have joined together with us to inspire young students for the annual Read Across America celebration of reading, create a reading nook and multiple Early Learning Trails at elementary schools, pack bags for veterans at a local food pantry, and more! Their culture is one of going beyond and it’s no wonder Trustmark has been recognized as a Chicago Tribune Top Workplace!
“Each year, Trustmark’s caring culture comes shining through during our United Way Campaign,” said Kevin Slawin, Trustmark’s President and CEO. “Enhancing the lives of families and people in the places our associates live and work is an important priority at Trustmark, and United Way’s ability to unite resources and create lasting change is second to none.”
Thank you, Trustmark, for partnering with us to address critical community needs and build a stronger, more equitable Lake County!
If you’re interested in joining Trustmark and other companies to create a successful workplace campaign or volunteer opportunity, contact us today.
Launch a Workplace Giving Campaign
Change doesn’t happen alone. Your organization, large or small, can help us create a stronger Lake County through a United Way workplace campaign. Whether your campaign is virtual or in-person, we’ll provide you with the tools you need to plan, coordinate and implement a successful fundraising campaign.
Is your organization ready to LIVE UNITED? We’ll help you get started.
Because Kids Don’t Come With Instructions
United Way of Lake County has partnered with Bright by Text to provide local parents and caregivers of children prenatal to age 8 with information on child development plus local events and resources. We encourage you to try out this free service, and you can stop at any time. So far, more than 600 Lake County families are already signed up and benefiting from Bright by Text.
When you sign up, you will receive text messages in English or Spanish that are specific to the age of your child. Messages include research-based content on child development and learning, as well as information about valuable community services and events happening right here in Lake County.
To sign up, text “UWLC” to 274448; or click below.
In special recognition of our 211 helpline, the Lake County Board proclaimed February 11 as “211 Day” in Lake County, Illinois. We are grateful to Lake County government for their partnership and generous support of our 211 service, as well as the many partners and individuals who have contributed to help make 211 a reality for our community.
211 has already made a tremendous impact, making more than 125,000 connections to essential health and human services. 211 Day is a wonderful opportunity to continue to raise awareness of this vital service to improve and save lives here in Lake County.
Watch below as Deanna Olmem, Manager of 211, shares remarks about 211 in Lake County, followed by Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart reading the special recognition of 211.
Commemorating MLK with Virtual Reading Event
In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Great Lakes Credit Union (GLCU) partnered with United Way of Lake County (UWLC) to host a reading event with West Elementary in Zion. Approximately 300 children from third through fifth grades took part in the readings. Both English and Spanish-speaking volunteers read books to the students that highlighted MLK’s work on equity, diversity and civil rights.
“We understand that during this difficult time not all students have easy access to books at home,” said Abraham Santiago, Senior Manager of Community and Financial Education programs at GLCU. “Through our partnership with UWLC, we were excited to not only read to the children virtually in the classroom, but to also send them home with a book they can read with their families so they can continue to learn and grow.”
By partnering with UWLC, GLCU safely served the community and provided literacy support to young students despite the pandemic. We are thankful for GLCU’s partnership as we continue to make an impact on the lives of so many children in our community.
Interested in partnering with us to host a volunteer project with your organization? Contact Bobbi.Selvik@uwlakeco.org.
Read Across America Book Drive
During the month of February, we have partnered with the 19th Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois, the Lake County Bar Association and the Association of Women Attorneys of Lake County to conduct a book drive that aims to increase local elementary school children’s access to books promoting a positive equity message. Join us in helping put books by diverse authors featuring diverse characters into the hands of eager, young readers in our community.
One way you can get involved is by purchasing new books from our wish list and dropping them off at any of the four designated locations, Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Alternatively, you can make an online gift and we will purchase books on your behalf.
Abbott Spreads Some Love with Valentine Project
Earlier this month, we coordinated a project with Abbott where volunteers created beautiful Valentine’s Day cards to share with seniors living in long-term care facilities in Lake County. Thank you Abbott volunteers for taking the time to create so many cheerful, encouraging cards that will certainly bring joy during these cold, wintery days.
Interested in partnering with us to host a volunteer project with your organization? Contact Bobbi.Selvik@uwlakeco.org.
A Conversation with Community-Minded Business Owners
Join Leaders United virtually on February 23 for a conversation with the owners of Drip & Culture in Waukegan, Adam Carson and Nydia Gonzalez, to learn how this socially minded and minority-owned business is creating change in the Lake County community.
We are looking to fill our Donor Relations Specialist position. If you know of anyone who might be a good fit, please share this opportunity with them.
Brief description: The Donor Relations Specialist provides support to Resource Development staff and their efforts to maintain and build relationships with donors to meet the organizational goal of deepened donor relationships.
