There’s still time to donate to United Way’s ‘Home for the Holidays’ drive

Shaw Local

There are three days left to donate to United Way’s “Home for the Holidays” drive.

This donation drive benefits eight local United Way Impact Partners, said Mariah Vail, executive director of United Way of Kankakee and Iroquois Counties.

This is the first year that the Daily Journal and Shaw Media have partnered in the drive.

“Our donation drive portion of the ‘Home for the Holidays’ effort has been going well,” Vail said Monday. “If people wanted to donate the requested items, they have until the end of the week for that.”

United Way’s Stable Housing Fund has invested more than $143,000 in housing and shelter efforts across Kankakee and Iroquois counties in the past five years; however, the need continues to grow.

According to the local United Way’s 211 line, 698 Kankakee or Iroquois county residents have contacted 211 for housing support since January.

That number represents more than 40% of all local referrals made in 2024.

For “Home for the Holidays” financial donations, Vail said they are continuing to accept donations online via the United Way webpage: myunitedway.org/housing.

A visitor to the page will find a testimonial from a client, “Ross,” who was aided by Catholic Charities’ transitional housing program.

In March 2024, Ross hurt his back, which had already been operated on.

Five months after Ross was injured, he lost his job. He found a place for his son to live, and then, with the help of Fortitude, he was able to secure housing for him and his son.

“A week and a half later, I had my son back in my arms, and we were moving in,” Ross said. “That meant the world to me. Catholic Charities got us back together. Thank you very much for the help, and if you are able to continue supporting the program, it is very helpful.”