United Way of Effingham County

09/07/2026

09/03/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The National Weather Service in Lincoln Predicts Very Hot and Humid Conditions Through Friday with An Extreme Heat Warning

EFFINGHAM, Ill. — Effingham County Emergency Management Agency and Effingham County Health Department urge residents to take precautions due to the extreme heat conditions. The National Weather Service in Lincoln predicts heat indices up to around 105 through Friday, September 5th 2026, and minimal relief overnight with lows in the mid 70s. The high temperatures and high humidity forecast could lead to heat related illnesses with prolonged exposure to high temperatures.

Illinois Department of Public Health recommends the following:

• Increase fluid intake, avoiding drinks with sugar, caffeine and alcohol.
• Decrease strenuous, outdoor activities and remain in air conditioning when possible.
• Check on well-being of elderly family and friends who may be living alone.

Symptoms of heat-related illness include headaches, skin that is hot to the touch, increased body temperature, loss of consciousness, seizures and irregular heartbeats. Individuals with chronic health conditions should be monitored because they may be more susceptible to the heat. Residents are encouraged to also make preparations for their pets to stay cool as well.

If you are in need of emergency cooling, please contact the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office at 217-342-2101, and you will be put in contact with heat relief resources.

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08/19/2026

There is still time to get your tickets to the United Way of Effingham County All American Drawdown!

So many good things are happening at this event!

* Dinner from Deb's Catering
* Grazing Table from Gussied Up Grazing
* Music by Jake & Mikayla
* Photo booth from Oh Snap PhotoBooth Rental
* Live and Silent Auction with AMAZING Items (check the event page for previews)
* Drawdown prizes (entry comes with your ticket) - $2,500 Grand Prize!
* Emcee by Katie Koester
* Games - Big Buck Hunter & Claw Machine
and MORE!

Attending this event and participating in the events or buying things on the auction supports 21 nonprofits who provide health and human services in Effingham County. The services these nonprofits provide range from feeding the hungry, providing shelter and necessities to unhoused people, counseling for domestic abuse survivors, mentors to students, supporting childhood literacy, school supplies to children, homes for pregnant women and children in need, sending Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to camp and SO (seriously SO MUCH) much more! Visit the United Way of Effingham County website to learn more about our 2026 Partner Agencies.

Don't wait! Get your tickets now to ensure there's enough Deb's Catering for you! 😉 (Don't worry, if plans change last minute, tickets will still be available for purchase at the door.)

Ticket link: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2026-united-way-of-effingham-county-drawdown-fundraiser

08/19/2026

There is still time to get your tickets to the United Way of Effingham County All American Drawdown!

So many good things are happening at this event!

* Dinner from Deb's Catering
* Grazing Table from Gussied Up Grazing
* Music by Jake & Mikayla
* Photo booth from Oh Snap PhotoBooth Rental
* Live and Silent Auction with AMAZING Items (check the event page for previews)
* Drawdown prizes (entry comes with your ticket) - $2,500 Grand Prize!
* Emcee by Katie Koester
* Games - Big Buck Hunter & Claw Machine
and MORE!

Attending this event and participating in the events or buying things on the auction supports 21 nonprofits who provide health and human services in Effingham County. The services these nonprofits provide range from feeding the hungry, providing shelter and necessities to unhoused people, counseling for domestic abuse survivors, mentors to students, supporting childhood literacy, school supplies to children, homes for pregnant women and children in need, sending Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to camp and SO (seriously SO MUCH) much more! Visit the United Way of Effingham County website to learn more about our 2026 Partner Agencies.

Don't wait! Get your tickets now to ensure there's enough Deb's Catering for you! 😉 (Don't worry, if plans change last minute, tickets will still be available for purchase at the door.)

Ticket link: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2026-united-way-of-effingham-county-drawdown-fundraiser