We are thrilled to share we exceeded our goal for this year’s annual Stuff the Bus school supply drive! Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we prepared and distributed 3,775 backpacks full of supplies to local school districts, agencies and back-to-school fairs across Lake County! We also distributed 300 teacher kits.
We are so proud that many more students will have the supplies they need to succeed during this new school year! Thank you to the 100+ companies and donors who supported this drive and the 130+ volunteers who donated their time to pack, sort and stuff each backpack.
Maria Colunga, Community Outreach Specialist at Round Lake Area School District 116, shared, “Families are grateful because they are getting the help they need. Through this campaign, we help families focus on what’s important—getting kids ready for school.”
View the long list of organizations that helped make Stuff the Bus a huge success below.
Results and Reflection: Kindergarten Countdown Camp
This summer, our Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC) program saw great success. 142 incoming kindergarten students attended KCC across six school districts; Antioch, Beach Park, LEARN John and Kathy Schreiber Campus, Round Lake, Waukegan, and Zion.
Before camp, only 45% of students averaged at least “in progress” or better across the eight skills assessed (shapes, colors, letters, name writing, counting, book familiarity, rhyming and fine motor skills). After camp, we saw that average increase to 75% “in progress or better” in those same eight skills. That’s a 67% increase!
“It’s incredible how a few weeks can make such a difference!,” said Ms. Celia Montes de Oca, a KCC teacher in Waukegan.
Each KCC student received a three-year Kohl Children’s Museum membership, snack packs, and backpacks full of supplies to start the school year confident and ready to succeed.
You’re Invited: 5th Anniversary of 211 in Lake County
Join us on October 24 at Independence Grove to celebrate this milestone anniversary of 211 services for Lake County!
Lake County’s 211 has made more than 300,000 connections to help since its launch. The measurable impact of 211 will be presented, including data on community-specific needs and valuable results. We will share stories of how 211 has made a real difference for community members, employers, agencies, and local government.
The program will feature a panel discussion with civic leaders talking in-depth about top community needs and how the service has improved and saved lives. Attendees will network, enjoy a delicious breakfast, connect with local leaders and receive 211 materials.
Join Us For Power of the Purse
Join Women United on Sunday, November 3 at Royal Melbourne Country Club in Long Grove for their signature fundraising event, Power of the Purse.
Come away for a fun-filled afternoon celebrating women, friendship, and philanthropy. We’ll enjoy a delicious brunch, bubbly, prizes, and special surprises. There will be designer bags, silent auction items, and raffle baskets to win. All proceeds will support early learning and care programs in Lake County.
Become a Mentor, Become a Leader
We are seeking volunteers to help make a positive difference in the lives of Waukegan’s youth. Join Leaders United in our before-school program, Breakfast Club, to inspire and guide middle school students as they prepare for high school. Discuss academics, mindfulness, self-care, and more to prepare for the future and fulfill their goals!
Derse—a full-service trade show and event agency—partnered with United Ways throughout the country to lead diaper drives. Here in Lake County, Derse’s Waukegan and Northbrook locations collected more than 900 diapers and 1,900 baby wipes, which will be distributed to families attending our Better Together program. An additional $1,116 was raised through monetary donations and will go towards purchasing additional diapers, baby wipes, and supplementary items to support Better Together families.
Derse also created and donated 36 new stencils for us to use when we are installing or refreshing our Early Learning Trails across Lake County.
Thank you, Derse, for your wonderful generosity and support!
Planned Giving: Create Your Legacy
Donors from all walks of life at all income levels can make an investment in securing the future of our community. The process is simple, and the impact will last for generations.
There are many ways to make a charitable gift, such as donating stock or securities, using your IRA or donor-advised fund, and including us in your will or living trust. Learn about the many ways to give by clicking below.
Kindergarten Readiness Calendars 2024-2025
Our free bilingual Kindergarten Readiness Calendars are available for pickup! They are a great resource for families, designed for preschool-age children, and filled with tips and activities to help families get ready for the first day of kindergarten.
You can place an order using our online order form. Pickups are available by appointment, Monday through Thursday, 9 AM – 4 PM, at our office (330 S Greenleaf St, Gurnee, IL).
You can also view and print the monthly pages and activities on our website.
Board Member Update
We are thrilled to welcome three new members to our Board of Directors:
Janis Quinn, DNP, ARPN, CPNP-AC – Assistant Professor, College of Nursing, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
Kristin Bartolucci – Vice President, Controller Research and Development, AbbVie
Mike Foley – Vice President, R&D Operations, AbbVie
Janis and Mike will both serve on the Community Impact Council and Kristin will serve on the Finance Committee.
A special thank you to outgoing board members, Tom Hudson and Bill Gould, for their dedicated service.
