United Way of Champaign County

10/30/2026

This morning, we kicked off the Parkland College 2026 Combined Charities Campaign. We always enjoy celebrating our enriching partnership and the many ways it brings people together to create new possibilities for Parkland students, its staff, and our entire community.

We even got a chance to announce the winners of their Halloween decorating contest! Shout-out to Academic Advising for showing up strong! 🎃👻

10/30/2026

Daylight Saving Time is coming! Help your little ones adjust to the time change with these 5 Bedtime Tips!

1. Maintain daily routines as much as possible. When children know what's coming next, it's easier for them to cooperate and you avoid a lot of temper tantrums.

2. Gradually shift bedtime and wake time to 30 minutes later. You can do this across the weekend leading up to Daylight Saving. This bedtime shift may take a week to normalize.

3. Avoid eating too much Halloween candy - especially after dinner! Those jolts of sugar don't help when you are winding down for the night.

4. Exercise during the day to help them sleep better at night. Use the Halloween activities or other daytime activities so that when it is time for bed, their body is ready.

5. Power off screens early, dim the lights, and read extra books in bed.

Follow for more and check out readtalkplay.org for more early childhood development resources.

10/30/2026

We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Diane Michaels, a dedicated former member of our Board of Directors. Diane served on the Board from 2013–2019, generously sharing her time and wisdom with our organization and many others throughout Rantoul and Champaign County.

"Diane was a champion for her neighbors and the greater community. In elected office and everyday life, she had a unique ability to see beyond differences of opinion and never let disagreements get in the way of humanity and friendship. This was just one of many qualities that made her a valued and trusted board member and someone we were grateful to know and work alongside," says Beverley Baker, President and CEO of UWCC.

Our heartfelt condolences are with Diane’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be remembered fondly and greatly missed. ❤️

10/29/2026

We’re proud to have been involved in this project from the beginning! From helping formulate the idea, connect partners, and provide funding to bring this project to life. Together, we’re helping create safer routes for children to get to school and bring valuable infrastructure to the neighborhoods that need it most.

🚌🚸👩‍👧‍👧

Sometimes, getting students to school is as simple as having a place for them to wait for the bus when the weather gets cold.

With the help of several area organizations, Ivanhoe Estates -- an Urbana mobile home community -- might be getting a bus shelter in the near future.

Read more using the link in the comments.

10/28/2026

Join Women United for an evening of knowledge, laughter, and camaraderie at our annual Trivia Night on Thursday, November 19 from 6-8pm at Hamilton Walker's Champaign.

Reserve your seat!

Please join Women United for an evening of knowledge, laughter, and camaraderie at our annual Trivia Night. 📅 Thursday, November 19, 2026 📍 Hamilton Walker’s ⏰ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM 💲 $25 per person Your ticket includes appetizers, one beverage, and an evening of engaging entertainment wi...

10/28/2026

Sign up for the Nonprofit Leadership Series this fall!

📚 Are you ready to lead with impact? 🌟

Parkland College Community Education is partnering with United Way of Champaign County and Community Foundation of Central Illinois to bring you the Nonprofit Leadership Series this fall. Whether you're an emerging leader, new board member, or exploring a career in the nonprofit sector, this series will equip you with the technical skills and knowledge to excel in serving your community.

👉 Sign up today and take the next step in your leadership journey! More information at parkland.augusoft.net/

10/27/2026

We’re fluttering with excitement to partner with Prairie Gardens this holiday season! 🦋 For every butterfly magnet purchased through December, $1 is donated to our Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, mailing free books to over 3,400 children in Champaign and Douglas counties. Perfect gifts that keeps giving. 📚

10/23/2026

Our Women United Lunch for Literacy event featured an inspiring panel discussion highlighting the impact of this year’s Women United Literacy grants and the importance of early childhood literacy! 📚

We were grateful to hear from our panelists, Kelly Russel of CU Early, Mandee Crow of Carrie Busey Elementary Library, Marina Taylor of One Root Collective , and Daly Andersson of Sterling Wealth Management, who served as our moderator.

We especially loved hearing how each program adapts to meet the unique needs of the children and families they serve. Marina incorporates social-emotional learning skills, Kelly provides hundreds of literacy kits to families, and Mandee creates inviting book displays that spark curiosity and capture their attention.

A special thank you to Sterling Wealth Management for their longstanding sponsorship of Women United. 💛

10/22/2026

Learn more about the Nonprofit Leadership Series and take the next step in your leadership journey - parkland.edu/nonprofitleaders.

10/22/2026

Anne was excited to visit Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District and connect with so many MTD associates, including Karl and Amy, to share how their support to the Combined Charities Campaign makes a difference in our community. MTD pulled out all the stops, hosting a food truck, flu and COVID-19 vaccination clinic, a blood drive, and an information table. We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with MTD and it is always a pleasure to team up together. 🚌🚍🚎💛❤️💙