United We Give

More than $2 million in donated goods has moved through United We Give since September 2024—putting useful products into the hands of schools, food pantries, nonprofit organizations and families throughout our region.

 

Through a partnership with the Walgreens Distribution Center, United Way of South Central Illinois receives truckloads of personal-care products, household goods, school supplies, seasonal items and other essentials. Our job is to turn that generosity into organized, practical help.

 

How it works

Volunteers unload, sort and prepare donated products for distribution. Community partners then receive items they can place directly with the people they serve. This coordinated approach keeps valuable goods out of landfills, stretches nonprofit budgets and helps local organizations focus more of their resources on their missions.

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Two distribution locations

Centralia — City Hope Church

Our Marion County sorting and distribution location. Contact Nat before your visit to confirm the warehouse entrance and pickup instructions.

Before you pick up

Dates depend on available shipments. Confirm your location and time with Nat Shook before traveling. Participating agencies must sign a United We Give MOU before taking items. Wait until sorting is complete and take only what your organization truly needs.

 

Who can participate

Organizations receiving items through United We Give must be a school or a qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

 

Eligible partners may include food pantries, shelters, housing programs, youth organizations, senior programs and other nonprofit agencies serving people across South Central Illinois. Available products vary with each shipment.

 

Get involved

Volunteer with a sorting or distribution day, help transport products or become a community distribution partner. Businesses can also support the program by donating products, equipment, transportation or financial support.

 

For participation details or volunteer opportunities, contact Nat Shook at nat@uwsci.org or call 618.242.8000.