Felisha, Eddie, and Linda joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss services provided by the Braveheart Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC), the Salvation Army, and the Kewanee Area United Way (KAUW). The Braveheart Children’s Advocacy Center and the Salvation Army of Kewanee are highlighting essential services made possible through local support and the Kewanee Area United Way (KAUW) funding. Braveheart streamlines child abuse investigations, ensuring children tell their story just once in a therapeutic setting, while also providing direct help like gas cards and an in-center boutique for families. The upcoming superhero-themed 5K, scheduled for April 18th, raises funds and celebrates young survivors. Meanwhile, the Salvation Army’s partnership with United Way supports housing, utilities, groceries, and household supplies—especially during emergencies like recent tornadoes and the COVID19 outbreak in 2020 . Both organizations stress that community donations stay local and are vital for sustaining these critical programs.
The Kewanee Area United Way is adding Community support for local scouting in Kewanee, Henry, and Stark Counties this year. Instead of channeling funds through national organizations, donations are being directed straight to Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops in the area. This approach ensures that every dollar stays local, supporting camperships, membership fees, and uniforms for kids who need help. Additional programs, including Shoes for Kids, the mailing fundraiser, plus the 15 agencies the KAUW support, also strengthen the community. Residents are encouraged to donate year-round, knowing their contributions make a direct impact close to home. Fundraisers such as Rock and Roll Bingo and the Jail and Bail are crucial for operations, with an ongoing focus on keeping resources local. You can donate year-round to this great cause on their website. With grants being cut by the government, donations are crucial to maintain support to local agencies.
The KAUW supports agencies including the Salvation Army, The Braveheart CAC, Abilities Plus, the Kewanee Food Pantry, Freedom House, the girl and by 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.
The Braveheart Children’s Advocacy Center is launching its very first Coloring Contest in honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month this April. Local children are invited to submit entries, with winners in each category receiving a Dairy Queen gift card. The contest officially kicks off on April 2, 2026, and the winners are announced on April 27th. The contest complements the Superhero 5k and Kids’ Fun Run scheduled for April 18th. Organizers say every child who visits is seen as a superhero, inspiring the contest’s theme. An adult must sign all entries, and homeschoolers are encouraged to participate. Register here for the Superhero 5K. Community members are invited to join the event to help raise awareness about child abuse, sexual assault, and mental health. Registration includes a t-shirt if completed by March 18. The day’s activities begin at 9:00 AM with a Community Resource Fair, followed by the 5K Run/Walk at 10:00. At 11:00, children can enjoy a complimentary Kids Fun Run, which starts after the final 5K participant crosses the finish line. Communities are also urged to wear blue on April 10th to help raise awareness for child abuse prevention. For details, contact [email protected], visit their Facebook page, or donate on the website.
The Kewanee Salvation Army continues its commitment to supporting the local community through vital services like housing, utility assistance, toiletries, non-perishable food, and clothing. Eddie Tolliver highlighted the organization’s strong partnership with KAUW, emphasizing how local contributions directly benefit Kewanee residents—funding is used for emergency responses as well as ongoing needs. After recent tornadoes, the alliance quickly provided gift cards and supplies, demonstrating flexibility in times of crisis. The Kewanee Salvation Army thrift store is extending Saturday hours, offering residents more opportunities to donate or receive support. Donations remain local, ensuring help reaches neighbors in need. Visit their website for more information.
