United Way of Lake County

06/12/2026

We're looking forward to celebrating at the Juneteenth Lake County IL Parade & Festival on June 20!

Stop by and visit United Way of Lake County and 211 Lake County during the festival to learn more about local resources, volunteer opportunities, and ways to get connected to support in our community.

We hope to see you there as we celebrate freedom, community, and unity throughout Lake County.

Learn more at: juneteenthlakecountyil.com

06/10/2026

Help local students start the school year confident, prepared, and ready to learn.

Now through August 1, United Way of Lake County is collecting backpacks and school supplies to support children and teachers across our community.

💛 Ways to help:
✔ Donate school supplies or backpacks
✔ Sponsor a student with an online gift
✔ Host a collection drive
✔ Spread the word with friends, family, and coworkers

Every action makes a difference and helps ensure local students have the tools they need to succeed from day one.

Learn more, donate, or find drop-off locations:
uwlakeco.org/stuff-the-bus

06/09/2026

Members of Leaders United of Lake County brought students from Ballet Folklorico Tayahua to Marquette University for an unforgettable hands-on experience in the Life Sciences Graduate Labs!

From exploring bacteria on agar plates and working in anaerobic environments to observing C. elegans under a microscope and learning how bees communicate through dance, students experienced science in action.

The day also included an inspiring graduate student panel, where students learned about college pathways and careers in STEM.

A huge thank you to the graduate students who made this experience possible and helped spark curiosity, confidence, and future possibilities!

06/04/2026

Last week, community leaders, partners, donors, and supporters came together for United Way of Lake County’s Premier Leaders Event.

Together, we raised more than $280,000 to help strengthen opportunity and connect children, families, and neighbors across Lake County to the support they need to thrive.

We are grateful to everyone who helped make the evening a success, including our generous sponsors, donors, volunteers, and Deer Path Inn for hosting us.

Thank you for investing in a stronger, more connected Lake County.

View photos from the event: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCVxvK

06/03/2026

Help children build the skills they need for kindergarten through fun activities that support early literacy, math, social-emotional growth, and school readiness. 📚🎒✏️🌟

Our FREE bilingual (English & Spanish) Kindergarten Readiness Calendars for 2026–2027 are available for schools, libraries, childcare providers, places of worship, and community organizations throughout Lake County to share with the families they serve.

Reserve calendars for your organization using our form: https://bit.ly/4atX7S3

Pickups are by appointment, Monday through Thursday, 9 AM – 3:30 PM at 330 S. Greenleaf St., Gurnee, IL.

Together, we can help children enter kindergarten ready to learn and thrive!

06/03/2026

Kindergarten Countdown Camp begins soon!

If your child is entering kindergarten this fall and has had little or no preschool experience, KCC can help them feel more confident and ready for their first day of school.

We still have space available at our Beach Park location!

Learn more and register: uwlakeco.org/kcc

06/02/2026

United Way of Lake County was proud to sponsor the Waukegan Friends' Pride Fest 2026 and participate in the Pride Parade! 🌈

Several staff, board members, Leaders United and Women United volunteers enjoyed connecting with community members while sharing 211 helpline information, bubbles, and kazoos. One unexpected highlight: the kazoos were a huge hit with the adults!

Thank you to everyone who volunteered, stopped by, celebrated with us, and helped make this year's event so memorable.

Happy Pride! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

05/28/2026

There are so many ways to support Stuff the Bus! 💛

Whether you donate supplies, sponsor a student, host a drive, or help spread the word, you’re helping local children start the school year ready to succeed.

Together, we can make sure more students walk into their classrooms with confidence and the tools they need to learn.

🎒 Get involved: uwlakeco.org/stuff-the-bus

05/22/2026

Kindergarten Countdown Camp is the perfect opportunity for young children to prepare for the exciting transition to kindergarten. This engaging program helps kids practice important classroom routines, make new friends, and build the confidence they need to start school feeling ready and excited.

Round Lake and Beach Park locations still have many open seats, so don’t miss out on this chance to give your child a head start in a supportive, fun environment.

Learn more and register today at https://uwlakeco.org/kindergarten-countdown-camp/

05/20/2026

🎢 Don’t miss this exclusive Six Flags fundraiser event on June 5!

For $76, enjoy all-day admission to the Theme Park & Water Park, parking, an all-you-can-eat buffet, and exclusive evening ride time — all while supporting United Way. 💙

Tickets are limited, so don’t wait to grab yours before they’re gone: bit.ly/UWLCSixFlags

Join us for a memorable evening in celebration of our 50th anniversary, all while supporting a great cause!