This week, more than 200 volunteers from across Sangamon and
Menard counties are coming together to “ignite the future” as part of United
Way of Central Illinois’ Week of Action. With 22 impactful projects planned,
local businesses and organizations have rallied their employees for a
collective effort to strengthen the community through hands-on service.
From sorting food at the Central Illinois Foodbank to
cleaning and painting community spaces, volunteers are giving back in ways that
will have a lasting effect on the region.
Igniting the future through service
United Way’s 2024 campaign theme, “Ignite the Future,”
highlights how today’s efforts can build a stronger, more resilient community
for tomorrow. This theme is at the heart of the Week of Action, where
volunteers from various industries are dedicating their time and energy to
tackle pressing community needs.
By lending their support to key local projects, volunteers
are helping organizations that rely on donated time and resources to maintain
their services. From food insecurity to beautifying public spaces, the Week of
Action aims to make a tangible difference in the lives of residents.
Diverse projects, united purpose
The scope of this year’s Week of Action is wide-ranging and
involves 22 different projects that address various community needs across
Sangamon and Menard counties.
At the Central Illinois Foodbank, volunteers will assist in
sorting and packing food, helping ensure that those facing hunger receive
much-needed resources. Heartland Coca-Cola is one of the local businesses
stepping up to support the Foodbank’s efforts, with its team taking part in the
Day of Action to help sort thousands of pounds of food that will be distributed
to families in need.
Meanwhile, at Midwest Mission, volunteers will be involved
in framing a new storage area. Midwest Mission provides humanitarian supplies
to people in need both locally and globally, and this project will expand their
capacity to house essential items that support disaster relief efforts and
other crises.
Across community parks and gardens, teams will focus on
cleaning, landscaping and painting to beautify public spaces and make them more
welcoming for residents. At locations across our community, volunteers will
work together to refresh landscaping, trim overgrown areas and repaint
structures to create a brighter and safer environment for local families.
Several groups will also help prep for upcoming community
events by setting up venues, organizing supplies and ensuring smooth operations
for gatherings that celebrate and unite the region. These activities highlight
the vital role volunteers play in making public events successful and inclusive
for everyone.
The variety of service projects reflects United Way’s
commitment to tackling multiple dimensions of community well-being. United Way
works for the mobilization of the entire community so all can thrive.
Local businesses champion the cause
United Way’s Week of Action isn’t just about individuals
coming together – it’s about the
collective power of the community. Numerous local businesses, large and small,
have committed to making a difference by encouraging their employees to
participate.
Companies such as Heartland Coca-Cola are pivotal in
creating a successful event. Heartland Coca-Cola recognizes the importance of
giving back and fostering a culture of corporate social responsibility. It is not
only sending volunteers but also sponsoring materials and providing financial
support to ensure that these projects can succeed.
A future that starts today
United Way’s Week of Action reminds everyone that even small
contributions can ignite meaningful change. As over 200 volunteers work side by
side, they are helping to create a future where communities thrive.
For United Way, the message is clear: The future starts now.
Through teamwork, generosity and a shared vision, Sangamon and Menard counties
are proving that when a community comes together, it can spark real change and
ignite a brighter, more hopeful future for all.
Karen Gedrose is the director of community initiatives at
United Way. Find out more about United Way and volunteering at www.uwcil.org.
