Linda Blair of the Kewanee Area United Way highlighted the growing need for community support as grant funding declines and donations are down by around 30%. Speaking on Wake Up Tri-Counties, Linda Blair emphasized that donations are now essential to sustain local nonprofit agencies. These organizations rely on United Way’s financial assistance to deliver vital services to residents across the area. The Kewanee Area United Way is shifting its approach to local support, channeling funds directly to Boy Scout and Girl Scout programs in Kewanee, Henry, and Stark counties this year. Rather than donating to national organizations, the United Way is now helping cover membership fees, uniforms, and camperships for local scouts, ensuring contributions benefit area youth. This initiative addresses community feedback requesting a visible, local impact from donations. Additionally, regular fundraisers—including Rock and Roll Bingo and Jail and Bail—help sustain these efforts. All donations and activities underscore their new motto: “What is raised here stays here.” Serving towns from Annawan to Wyoming, the organization relies entirely on local donations; no government or United Way Worldwide funding is received, ensuring contributions benefit area residents. The Salvation Army’s partnership with United Way supports housing, utilities, groceries, and household supplies—especially during emergencies like the recent tornadoes and the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020. Stay up-to-date with the Kewanee Area United Way on its website and Facebook page.
Since 1957, the Kewanee Area United Way has been dedicated to supporting residents in Henry and Stark Counties. Through decades of service and several name changes, the mission remains unchanged: fostering health, education, and stability for local families. With 75% of area students qualifying for free or reduced-cost lunches, the need for community support is significant. Nonprofit agencies, carefully selected each year by the board, receive funding to continue essential programs. Donations help keep these initiatives—and the community—moving forward. The KAUW supports agencies, including the Salvation Army, Braveheart CAC, Abilities Plus, the Kewanee Food Pantry, Freedom House, the Girl and Boy Scouts, the Henry County Senior Center, after-school programs, youth services, and many more. Find the full list of KAUW recipients at https://kauw.org/agencies.
Donations—large or small—go directly to vital services like food assistance and community programs in Henry and Stark Counties. Flexible giving options include one-time, monthly, or payroll-deducted gifts. There’s also an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy through wills or endowments. Find more details or make your gift online at kauw.org/donation, drop off a donation to Kewanee Area United Way, 200 East South Street, or by mail to PO Box 426, Kewanee, IL.
Here’s how you can make a difference in your community: The Kewanee Area United Way is looking for passionate individuals ready to play a key role in driving positive change across Henry and Stark Counties. Opportunities include volunteering with office projects, taking part in hands-on community impact work, joining the fundraising team, or even stepping up as a board member. Board Members help guide the direction of United Way by selecting agencies and making decisions that benefit families and neighbors. To get involved or learn more, contact the KAUW office at 309-761-8447, email [email protected], or click the volunteer button on their website.
The Kewanee Area United Way continues its long-standing mission to unite residents, agencies, and businesses in addressing the core challenges faced by Henry and Stark counties. By forging partnerships with government, non-profit, and for-profit organizations, the United Way streamlines services, maximizing the impact of every dollar contributed by the community. Serving the area for over 50 years, the organization ensures that all donations remain local, directly benefiting individuals and families in need. With programs that touch nearly 40% of area residents, the United Way fosters collaboration and resource sharing, strengthening the safety net that helps neighbors help one another.
Kewanee Area United Way’s “Shoes for Kids” program is gearing up for its third year, which provided new shoes to nearly 300 low-income children in Kewanee, Weathersfield, and Galva schools last year. Children up to eighth grade can be signed up by parents or school counselors, with the first registration at Fairview on July 15th. Donations are crucial, with local organizations like the Elks, Rotary, and area businesses helping to fund the project, while Breedloves supplies high-quality shoes at cost. For more information or to donate, visit kauw.org or the United Way Facebook page. Parents are reminded to watch for both sign-up and shoe pickup dates.
The Kewanee Area United Way is launching its annual fundraising campaign by mailing out letters to residents in the area. This year’s plea is especially urgent, as donations have dropped by up to 30%, impacting vital community services. The letter, marked clearly from Kewanee Area United Way in the top left corner, explains how donations support projects like Shoes for Kids, emergency shelter, the food pantry, and disaster response efforts. Residents are encouraged to open and read the letter, donate online at kauw.org, or pass the appeal to someone who might help. Even small gifts make a big difference.
Nat Smith joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss the upcoming Kewanee Area United Way Rock and Roll Bingo fundraiser. Rock and Roll Bingo returns to the Kewaunee Elks Club on April 18th, bringing music lovers and game enthusiasts together for an evening of fun. Hosted by the Kewaunee Area United Way, this event merges classic bingo with your favorite tunes—mark off song titles as they’re played by a team from the Quad Cities. Entry is $15 per person or $120 for a reserved table, with walk-ins welcome. Guests can expect basket raffles, a 50/50 drawing, a prize drawing, singing, dancing, and a family-friendly atmosphere. All proceeds benefit the Kewanee Area United Way-supported agencies, helping strengthen the community through local support. Doors open at 5:30 PM. Registration is available online at kauw.org/donate—choose Rock & Roll Bingo for individual or group tickets.