United Way of the Great River Region

06/19/2026

🎒 United is the Way to help local students start the school year ready to learn!

The United Way of the Great River Region is now collecting school supply donations for our 22nd Annual Back-to-School Festival, which will take place on Friday, August 7, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Keosippi Center.

Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. By donating school supplies, you're helping local students and families access the tools they need for a successful school year. When we come together as a community, we can remove barriers, create opportunities, and build a stronger future for everyone.

📚 Needed School Supplies:
• 3-prong 2 pocket plastic folders
• Dry erase markers
• Washable glue sticks
• Crayons (24 count, no neon or glitter)
• #2 soft lead standard pencils
• Highlighters
• Rubber wedge erasers

💙 Cash, check, and Venmo donations are also accepted.
UnitedWayoftheGreatRiverRegion
📬 Donations may be mailed to:

United Way Great River Region
P.O. Box 251
Keokuk, IA 52632

At United Way, we mobilize communities to action so all can thrive. Thank you for helping students across our region begin the school year with confidence and the supplies they need to succeed.

Together, we can make a difference.

06/12/2026

🎓💙 Congratulations to our 2026 United Way Scholarship Award Winner, Addison Capaldo! 💙🎓

The United Way of the Great River Region is proud to recognize Addison Capaldo as a recipient of our 2026 Scholarship Program.

Addison’s dedication, perseverance, and commitment to her future have earned her this well-deserved honor. Through hard work and determination, she has demonstrated the qualities that will help her succeed in the next chapter of her educational journey and beyond.

At United Way, we believe that investing in local students is an investment in the future of our communities. By supporting youth opportunity, we are helping build stronger, more vibrant communities for generations to come.

Please join us in congratulating Addison on this outstanding achievement and wishing her continued success in all of her future endeavors! 🌟

06/12/2026

✂️ VOLUNTEER HAIRSTYLISTS & BARBERS NEEDED! ✂️

United is the Way to help kids start the school year with confidence.

Kristal's Twisted Scissors, located inside the Keosippi Center in Keokuk, has generously partnered with United Way of the Great River Region by donating the use of her salon during our annual Back-to-School Backpack Event on August 7 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

All haircuts will be provided free of charge to families attending the event.

We are currently looking for licensed hairstylists and barbers who would be willing to volunteer their time to provide FREE haircuts to students attending the event.

Our goal is to recruit enough volunteers so that each stylist or barber only needs to commit to about one hour. Whether you can help from 4:00–5:00 PM, 5:00–6:00 PM, or 6:00–7:00 PM, your time will make a meaningful difference.

Kristal has generously made three salon chairs available, along with two additional roll-away chairs if needed. Volunteers will simply need to bring their own clippers, scissors, capes, and other supplies.

📅 Thursday, August 7
⏰ 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Kristal's Twisted Scissors (inside the Keosippi Center, Keokuk)

Our greatest need is during the first two hours of the event, when demand is typically the highest.

By donating just one hour of your time, you can help a child walk into school feeling confident, cared for, and ready to succeed. A fresh haircut may seem simple, but for a child heading back to school, it can mean confidence, dignity, and a strong start to the year.

Participating salons, barbers, and stylists will be recognized on United Way of the Great River Region and Kristal's Twisted Scissors social media platforms.

We hope to finalize our volunteer schedule by July 31.

To reserve a volunteer time slot, please contact:

Mike Greenslaugh
United Way of the Great River Region
📞 319-524-4504
📧 [email protected]

Please help us spread the word by sharing this post with hairstylists, barbers, salon owners, and cosmetology professionals throughout our region.

Together, United is the Way to give every child a strong start to the school year.
Kristal's Twisted Scissors

06/11/2026

🎓💙 Congratulations to our 2026 United Way Scholarship Award Winner, Nolan Guzman! 💙🎓

The United Way of the Great River Region is proud to recognize Nolan Guzman as a recipient of our 2026 Scholarship Program.

Nolan’s hard work, determination, and commitment to achieving his goals have earned him this well-deserved honor. Students like Nolan represent the bright future of our communities, and we are honored to support their educational journey.

At United Way, we believe that investing in youth opportunity helps build stronger communities for generations to come. Through our scholarship program, we are committed to empowering local students as they pursue their dreams and reach their full potential.

Please join us in congratulating Nolan on this outstanding achievement and wishing him continued success in all of his future endeavors! 🌟

06/11/2026

🚨 PAPPY. WELLER. STAGG. BLANTON'S. ELMER T. LEE. 🚨

Yes, they're all in this raffle.

🥃 The Great River Bourbon Raffle is back, and only 300 tickets will be sold.

🏆 9 Chances to Win:
• Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year
• Weller Rainbow Collection
• Rip Van Winkle 10 Year
• Blanton's Gold Select, Elmer T. Lee & Blanton's Single Barrel
• E.H. Taylor 4 Bottle Bundle
• Jack Daniel's 10 Year, 12 Year & Hero's Select
• Stagg, Eagle Rare, Buffalo Trace & Sazerac Rye
• Penelope F Cancer & Wild Turkey 70th Anniversary
• Mystery Bottle

🎟 Tickets:
• 1 for $50
• 3 for $100

The first 8 winners may choose either the featured bottle package or 50% of its cash value. The 9th winner will receive a mystery bottle.

📅 Drawing: December 1, 2026 at 5:00 PM
(Need not be present to win)

Every ticket purchased helps United Way of the Great River Region mobilize communities to action so all can thrive. Your support helps strengthen local resilience and advance health, youth opportunity, and financial security throughout Lee, Clark, and Hancock Counties.

When they're gone, they're gone.

📞 Call 319-524-4504 to get your tickets today.

06/11/2026

🎓💙 Congratulations to our 2026 United Way Scholarship Award Winner, Addison Rump! 💙🎓

Today, we are proud to recognize Addison Rump as a recipient of the United Way of the Great River Region Scholarship.

Addison’s dedication, perseverance, and commitment to her goals have earned her this well-deserved honor. We are excited to support students like Addison who are working hard to build a bright future and make a positive impact in their communities.

At United Way, we believe that investing in education is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen our communities and create opportunities for future generations.

Please join us in congratulating Addison on this outstanding achievement and wishing her continued success in all her future endeavors!

06/02/2026

Grant Applications Are Now Open!
United Way of the Great River Region is now accepting applications for 2026 funding—and we invite all eligible nonprofit organizations in Lee, Hancock, and Clark counties to apply!
We’re investing in programs that help our communities thrive, with a focus on:
Youth Opportunity
Financial Stability
Healthy Community
Community Resiliency
Deadline: June 5, 2026 at 11:59 PM
Apply here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/Ab8QdRanSh
If your organization is making a difference in our region, we want to hear from you. Let’s work together to create stronger, healthier communities where everyone can reach their full potential.
For questions, contact: [email protected]

Three Counties. Three Priorities. One Goal. Live United.

Serving Lee Co., Iowa, Hancock Co., Illinois, and Clark Co., Missouri.

One location serving you
515 Main Street, Keokuk, IA

05/28/2026

🎓💙 Congratulations to our 2026 United Way Scholarship Award Winner, McKayla Schinstock! 💙🎓

McKayla’s hard work, determination, and dedication to her future have earned her this well-deserved recognition through the United Way of the Great River Region Scholarship Program.

At United Way, we are proud to invest in students who are making a difference and building brighter futures for themselves and our communities. Supporting youth opportunity today helps strengthen tomorrow.

Please join us in congratulating McKayla on this incredible achievement and wishing her continued success in all that comes next! ✨

05/28/2026

🎓💙 Congratulations to our 2026 United Way Scholarship Award Winner, Cora Hanks! 💙🎓

Cora has demonstrated dedication, leadership, and a commitment to building a bright future, and we are honored to recognize her accomplishments through the United Way of the Great River Region Scholarship Program.

Through programs like our scholarship initiative, United Way continues investing in youth opportunity and empowering the next generation of leaders across our communities.

Please join us in celebrating Cora and wishing her continued success in all that lies ahead! ✨

05/28/2026

🎓✨ Congratulations to our 2026 United Way Scholarship Award Winner, Natalie Wibbell! ✨🎓

Natalie represents the bright future of our communities through her hard work, dedication, and commitment to success. We are proud to recognize her achievements and support her next chapter through the United Way of the Great River Region Scholarship Program.

At United Way, we believe investing in education means investing in stronger communities and brighter futures for all.

Please join us in congratulating Natalie on this outstanding accomplishment! 💙