United Way of South Central has expanded the “United We Give” program into Marion County.
Thanks to the generosity of Walgreens Distribution Center (DC), this initiative will launch its first-ever sort and distribution event at City Hope Church in Centralia next week. Sorting will begin at ten Monday morning, with distribution at ten Tuesday morning. United We Give delivers truckloads of essential items—school supplies, hygiene products, household goods, clothing, and more—directly to local partner agencies at no cost. The program has already made a difference in Jefferson County, where nonprofits have stretched budgets and met urgent needs in ways that simply weren’t possible before.
All participating agencies will be asked to sign a simple memorandum of understanding (MOU) before taking items. This process helps ensure accountability and allows United Way to continue scaling the program to serve even more people.
United Way’s “United We Give” program wouldn’t be possible without the partnership of Walgreens Distribution Center. Through their donations of overstock, returned, and seasonal items, Walgreens DC has made it possible for local agencies to keep their shelves stocked at zero cost—directly strengthening families across Southern Illinois.
United Way’s Executive Director Natalie Shook says agencies from Marion County have been willing to drive all the way to Jefferson County to access these resources, and we’ve seen firsthand the difference it makes. Now, by bringing United We Give directly to Centralia, Shook hopes to make it easier than ever for local agencies to get exactly what they need. Organizations can take as much as they can use. Shook says they are there to help more people.
United Way extends deep gratitude to City Hope Church for generously hosting this inaugural event in Marion County. Their support has opened the door to what promises to be a lasting, life-changing resource for the community.
For more information about United We Give or how your agency can participate, contact Natalie Shook at (618) 242-8000 or visit www.uwsci.org.
