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.
