One Day of Service. Lasting Local Impact.
Day of Action: Volunteer in Northwest Illinois
Day of Action brings volunteers, businesses and community organizations together for meaningful service projects across Stephenson, Jo Daviess and Carroll Counties.
What Is Day of Action?
Day of Action is a United Way volunteer initiative that turns one day of service into lasting community impact. United Ways bring people together through hands-on projects based on the needs of their local communities.
United Way of Northwest Illinois holds its local event on June 25. Neighbors, employees, service groups and community partners work together to strengthen the places where they live and work.
Projects may include painting, landscaping, organizing donated supplies, assembling kits, improving shared spaces or helping local organizations prepare materials for the people they serve.
How Day of Action Works
Community Partners Request Help
Nonprofits, schools, municipalities and community organizations identify projects that would benefit from volunteer assistance. Project requests may involve outdoor work, facility improvements, organizing, packing supplies or other practical needs.
Volunteers Choose Ways to Serve
Individuals, workplace teams and community groups sign up to participate. United Way connects volunteers with available projects based on project needs, group size and volunteer availability.
Who Can Volunteer?
Day of Action welcomes people and groups who want to give their time and skills to Northwest Illinois. Opportunities may be available for:
- Individual community volunteers
- Employee and workplace volunteer teams
- Service clubs and civic organizations
- Schools and youth groups when appropriate
- Nonprofits and community organizations requesting project assistance
Each project is different. United Way will share available information about the location, schedule, physical activity, supplies, accessibility and age requirements before volunteers participate.
Why Community Volunteer Service Matters
Local organizations often have important projects that compete with their daily work. Volunteers provide additional help so these organizations can improve their spaces, prepare supplies and continue serving local residents.
Community service also introduces volunteers to nonprofits, schools and public spaces that serve Northwest Illinois throughout the year. These connections can encourage future volunteering and stronger partnerships.
One day of service can improve a shared space, prepare materials for families, help an organization operate more efficiently and build relationships between local residents and community partners.
Day of Action Supports Stronger Communities
- Community Resiliency: Volunteers support projects that improve neighborhood safety, stability and shared spaces.
- Youth Opportunity: Projects may support literacy, mentoring, enrichment activities and safe spaces for young people.
- Healthy Community: Food packing, community cleanups and wellness projects help create healthier environments for local families.
- Financial Security: Volunteer assistance allows organizations to direct more time and resources toward services that support household stability.
Day of Action Across Northwest Illinois
United Way of Northwest Illinois coordinates projects across Stephenson, Jo Daviess and Carroll Counties. Available projects depend on the requests received from local organizations and the number of participating volunteers.
Businesses can use the event as a team-building opportunity while supporting the community. Individuals can meet other local volunteers and learn more about organizations addressing needs throughout the region.
Day of Action Frequently Asked Questions
When is Day of Action in Northwest Illinois?
United Way of Northwest Illinois holds its local Day of Action on June 25. Project schedules and locations may vary.
Can my company volunteer as a team?
Yes. Workplace teams are encouraged to participate. Contact United Way with your estimated group size so available projects can be discussed.
Can an organization request volunteer help?
Local nonprofits, schools, municipalities and community organizations may submit project requests. Acceptance depends on timing, volunteer availability, safety and project requirements.
What types of projects are available?
Projects may include painting, landscaping, cleanup, organizing, assembling supplies and improving community spaces. Available opportunities change according to local requests.
What should volunteers bring?
Requirements depend on the project. Volunteers will receive available information about clothing, tools, supplies, accessibility and physical activity before the event.
Are there other volunteer opportunities during the year?
United Way supports community engagement throughout the year. Contact our team to ask about other volunteer opportunities in Northwest Illinois.
Take Action in Northwest Illinois
Join a project, organize a workplace team or tell us how volunteers could help your organization.
Contact United Way of Northwest Illinois or call 815-232-5184.
FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED
Individuals and businesses have the opportunity to advance the common good by volunteering in our local community for various projects. We invite you to get involved!
Fill out the Day of Action Volunteer Form below. If you have any questions, reach out to Connie @director@uwni.org.
If your organization in Stephenson, Jo Daviess, or Carroll County has a project that could benefit from volunteer support, fill out the form below.
Projects are selected based on human and financial resources available.
Past Day of Action Activities included:
- Installing a Born Learning Trail at the King Community Campus
- Putting together & delivering Senior Care Packages
- Painting at the Madonna Renewal Center
- Helping the Lena Lions Club move & organize Fall Festival booths
- Cleaning & maintenance at the Lena Community Center
- Painting the handicap accessible pier & cleaning up brush/landscaping in McConnell
- Sorting and organizing at My Friend's Closet
- Cleaning up the playground and laying new mulch at the King Community Campus. The campus is the location of Amity Daycare, the Boys & Girls Club of Stephenson County, and Head Start.
- Landscaping at Norman Sleezer Youth Home
- Sorting books that will fill the Little Free Libraries
- Grammercy Park in East Dubuque clean up and landscaping
- Assisting at the Galena Food Pantry
- Landscaping and painting at the YMCA
- Landscaping at the Elizabeth Community Park
- Replacing table legs and landscaping at the Lena Community Center
- Brush removal at the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation
THANK YOU TO OUR 2026 DAY OF ACTION SPONSOR:
SSM Health - Volunteer Lunches
