United Way Expands “United We Give” Program to Marion County: First Distribution Set for Centralia
United Way of South Central Illinois is thrilled to announce the expansion of its highly successful United We Give program into Marion County. Thanks to the incredible generosity of Walgreens Distribution Center (DC), this critical initiative will launch its first-ever sort and distribution event at City Hope Church in Centralia this month.
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 measurable difference in Jefferson County, where nonprofits have stretched budgets and met urgent needs in ways that simply weren’t possible before.
“Having United We Give come directly to Marion County is a game changer,” said Carol Ann Short, Director of Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry. “It’s going to save our agency countless trips, hours, and dollars—and that means more time and resources go straight to the people who need us most. We’re grateful to United Way and Walgreens DC for making this happen.”
Details for the first United We Give event in Marion County:
Sorting: Monday, July 14 at 10:00 a.m.
Distribution: Tuesday, July 15 at 10:00 a.m.
Location: City Hope Church, Centralia, IL
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.
A special thank you to Walgreens DC:
United Way’s United We Give program wouldn’t be possible without the steadfast 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.
“Our 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,” said Natalie Shook, Executive Director. “Now, by bringing United We Give directly to Centralia, we hope to make it easier than ever for local agencies to get exactly what they need. Take as much as your organization can use—we’re here to help you 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.
About United Way of South Central Illinois:
United Way of South Central Illinois fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in our community. Through innovative programs like United We Give, we partner with local agencies and businesses to ensure critical resources reach those who need them most—right here at home.