A worsening economy and changes in food stamp benefits has driven up the demand for food pantries at least 50% (with a 168% increase at one local food bank!) compared with this time last year. Unfortunately, food donations have not kept pace. In some locations, food donations have fallen more than 50% during the non-peak donation seasons, while need remains constant year-round.

Fortunately, Northwest Suburban United Way, area food pantires, local governments and area businesses have combined efforts to combat the food shortage. From Sept. 22nd-26th, as part of “Live United” Week, you can make a difference by donating your food items to local drop sites in your community.

We are looking for: Rice, Peanut Butter, Beans - Canned and Dry, Canned Meats and Stews, Macaroni and Cheese, Cereal, Canned Fruits and Veggies, Soups, Powdered and Evaporated Milk, Infant Supplies (baby food, formula, diapers), Hygiene (shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant), and Paper Goods (paper towels, toilet paper, napkins).

While we can’t eridicate all the need in our area, we can make a difference. We can put a stake in the ground and say that for one week, for one day, we can all pause in our daily lives and take a stand to advance the common good. We are one community and we can all LIVE UNITED.

Note: List of participating food pantries and public drop sites coming soon.

Volunteers can be from any of the 18 communities served by our United Way.  There is no age limit.  Group service projects may also be submitted.  Please send all submissions to Matt Altstiel at maltstiel@uw-mc.org.

 For current and updated volunteer listings check Northwest Suburban United Way.  Registration is easy and it even tracks the hours for you!  There are many ways to get involved.

For even more opportunities in your area through our partner agencies search Northwest Volunteer Opportunities

Guests had a great time at a great venue for a great cause.  With more than 70 items for a silent auction, a live auction, a wine raffle, a fancy hat contest, a split the pot and three sponsored races, there was something for everyone.

“Events like this help raise awareness and crucial resources to allow us to reach out and help those who need it most,” said Marcia McMahon, Chief Professional Officer for Northwest Suburban United Way.  “When we help people become independent, we improve the conditions for all of us in the community.”

Northwest Suburban United Way would like to thank all those in attendance for making this year’s event so successful.  Special thanks are extended to our title sponsor, Northwest Community Hospital, as well as our corporate and community sponsors, Nicor, Gary Grom, JPMorgan Chase, Management and Technology Resources, Vapor Bus International, Consultants in Neurology and the Northwest Suburban United Way board of Directors.

United Way provides leadership and resources to help people overcome life’s challenges and become self sufficient.  Over 120 programs at 54 health and human care agencies provide much-needed services to our residents; programs targeting key issue areas such as income, education and health and crisis support.

To make a donation or to learn how you can become involved with United Way in your community, please contact the Northwest Suburban United Way office at 847.768.1074.

Additonally, Northwest Suburban United Way is proud to feature Caremark during our LIVE UNITED Week Food Drive as a corporate sponsor this coming September.

Throught their collaboration, Caremark has proven their commitment to improve the lives of the people they serve.  United Way Days of Caring bring together area businesses and United Way partners opportunities that benefit our Northwest Suburban and Skokie Valley communities.  For opportunities where you can make a difference, contact Matt Altstiel (Northwest Suburban United Way) at 847-768-1074.

On June 20 and 21 – the longest weekend of the year – you will hear a lot in the media about United Way and the national movement to LIVE UNITED.  We want to take a moment to tell you about what it means to LIVE UNITED in the Northwest Suburban United Way.

We are all connected in the community.  When children succeed, when families are stable, when individuals stay healthy, we all win.  Our community thrives.  That’s why Northwest Suburban focuses on Income, Education and Health, because these are the building blocks for a good life.   Our goal is to provide the leadership and resources it takes to create long-lasting change that help people improve their lives.  By getting people to reach out to help those who need it most, we’re influencing the conditions for all of us.  That’s what it means to LIVE UNITED.

People LIVE UNITED when they give, advocate and volunteer to help the community.  Give – support your company campaign; Advocate – read about the conditions in your community and tell others what can be done to help; Volunteer – sign up to volunteer in your community by taking part in a company wide effort or calling your local United Way at 847.768.1074.

We’re facing tough times for health and human services.  The need in our community is rising even higher than the price of gas –and nowhere is that need being felt more than at our local food pantries.  Did you know that 39% of households who receive food include at least one unemployed adult?   That 33% of people served are under the age of 18?  That 22% of these clients live in the suburbs?

While we can’t eradicate all the need in our area, we can make a difference.  We can put a stake in the ground and say that for one week, for one day, we can all pause in our daily lives and take a stand to advance the common good. We are one community, and we can all LIVE UNITED.

At Northwest Suburban United Way, the week of September 22^nd will be LIVE UNITED Week.  Stay tuned for more details about how YOU can help!

Saturday, August 23, 2008, 12:30-4:30pm

Arlington Park Racecourse

Call the office for reservations or more details!

Thursday, July 10, 2008 at 7:30 a.m.

Egg Factory
100 E. Kensington Rd.
Mount Prospect, IL 60056

On Wednesday, April 30^th, golfers at the Northwest Suburban United Way 12^th annual Gattas Golf Classic in memory of George Gattas had an un’fore’gettable time. Sponsored by Northwest Community Hospital, the Golf Classic was held at the Mt. Prospect Golf Club and featured a scramble format and a shotgun start. Even the weather cooperated to produce a sunny, fun-filled day for everyone.

136 golfers dusted off their clubs and took to the links for the first golf outing of the season. The lucky winners were: Nick Papanicholas, Andy Bennett, Ed Doherty and Scott Whisler, guests of Nicholas & Associates, lowest gross score; Ron Buch, Sharon Smith, Linda Borton and Ed Soban, Northwest Community Hospital, first place, net team score; and Dave Barr, John Tofano, Andy Nyberf and Steve Kozer, Midwest Bank, second place, net team score.

Marcia McMahon, Chief Professional Office for Northwest Suburban United Way, wasn’t surprised that the event sold out for the second consecutive year. “United Way’s work in the community resonates with many business and residents. We appreciate their generous support.”

United Way provides leadership and resources to help people overcome life’s challenges and become self-sufficient. Over 120 programs at 54 health and human care agencies provide much-needed services to our residents; programs targeting key issue areas such as access to healthcare, educational development, crisis support, financial stability and affordable housing.

The $20,000.00 raised at the event will benefit all the communities served by the Northwest Suburban United Way, including: Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Des Plaines, Half Day, Inverness, Lincolnshire, Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, Mount Prospect, Niles, Palatine, Park Ridge, Prairie View, Prospect Heights, Rolling Meadows, Rosemont, Skokie and Wheeling, as well as the 2009 George Gattas Scholarship Fund. Three scholarships were awarded at the dinner following the Gattas Golf Classic. Taking top honors was José Espinoza, Maine West High School, $4,000.00 scholarship. José plans to attend the University of Illinois Urbana-Champagne in the fall. Also awarded to Mary Kathleen Supplitt and Samantha Reich were $1,000.00 scholarships toward post-secondary education. They plan to attend Georgetown University and the University of Notre Dame, respectively.

To make a donation or to learn how you can become involved with United Way in your community, please contact the Northwest Suburban United Way office at 847.768.1074 or visit the website at www.uwnorthwest.org.

Reservation forms for the 12th Annual Golf Classic are available by clicking here.

Dust off your clubs, break out your sunglasses and get ready to tee-off at the 12th Annual United Way Golf Classic! The popular event will be held on Wednesday, April 30th at the Mt. Prospect Golf Club and will feature a shotgun start and scramble format. Northwest Community Hospital has stepped forward to sponsor the event, which United Way hopes will raise additional dollars for people in need in the community.

“We’re very excited about our partnership with Northwest Community Hospital,” said Northwest Suburban United Way’s Chief Professional Officer, Marcia McMahon. “Their philosophy of community involvement is a great match for United Way’s commitment to improve lives and help people become self-sufficient.”

The Golf Classic, which United Way heralds as the first golf event of the season, is held once again in memory of George Gattas, former Athletic Director at Prospect High School and long-time community volunteer. Three scholarships toward post-secondary education will be awarded in his name at the dinner to follow the event.

McMahon recalls George Gattas’s volunteer spirit and the impact he had on the lives of so many in the community.

“George touched the lives of so many people. He was instrumental in starting the United Way Youth Commission and organized a United Way marathon where residents would ‘run for fun’ throughout our community. United Way is proud to continue that tradition of caring through the United Way George Gattas Scholarship.”

According to McMahon, helping children and youth succeed was a dream close to George Gattas’s heart and a high priority for United Way. The local organization commits over a third of their funding to programs targeted to youth – programs that provide affordable day care, access to healthcare and adoption services, keep children safe, healthy and prepare them for school, as well as after school activities, leadership development and mentoring programs that help youth stay on track for graduation.

McMahon hopes the community will support this mission by golfing on April 30th, sponsoring a hole, donating a raffle prize or simply by attending the awards dinner following the event. Reservation forms for the 12th Annual Golf Classic are available here. For more information about the golf event or to make a donation, please call the United Way office at 847.768.1074. Openings for foursomes are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis, so make your reservation today!

Thursday, June 5, 2008 from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm

Maggiano’s Little Italy at Old Orchard
4999 Old Orchard Shopping Ctr.
Space # 28
Skokie, IL 60077

For reservations call 847.768.1074