Embrace the Season of Giving Through United Way of Greater St. Louis Community Christmas

EAST ALTON, IL (November 4, 2024) – This holiday season, the United Way of Greater St. Louis Community Christmas program invites residents to come together, donate, and spread hope to neighbors in need.

Community Christmas kicks off this month collecting money, necessary household items, gifts for children of all ages, non-perishable food and much more through early December.

Residents can visit more than 100 boxes placed at participating businesses, churches, schools and organizations throughout the Greater Alton area to donate. A list of participating locations hosting a box is available at Helpingpeople.org/CommunityChristmas.

Additional items needed are blankets, personal care items, new coats, hats, gloves, scarves, socks, baby formula and diapers.

Monetary donations are also accepted and will be used to purchase items that are in short supply or have not been collected. Donations can be made online at Helpingpeople.org/CommunityChristmas or mailed to United Way at 707 Berkshire Blvd., Suite 270, East Alton, IL 62024, marked Attn: Community Christmas. 

“The generosity we see from people through the Community Christmas program is remarkable and it is indicative of the selfless character of so many of our community members who want to ensure that their local neighbors have their needs met,” said Melissa Fanning, Vice President of Regions, Illinois Division for United Way of Greater St. Louis. “We look forward to our community’s continued commitment to uplifting and empowering our neighbors as we begin this special season of giving.”

All of the items collected will be distributed to the following agencies to help people in the community during the holiday season and beyond: 

• 100 Black Men – Alton Branch
• Beverly Farm
• Boys and Girls Club of Alton
• Brightpoint
• Caritas family Solutions
• Catholic Children’s Home
• Centerstone
• Crisis Food Center
• Illinois Center for Autism
• Madison County Urban League
• Oasis Women’s Center
• Operation Blessing
• Riverbend Family Ministries
• Riverbend Head Start & Family Services
• Salvation Army
• Sleep in Heavenly Peace
• Village of Royal Lakes
• YWCA of Southwestern Illinois

There are still donation boxes available for businesses and organizations to host. Those interested in requesting a box can call 618-258-9800. 

About United Way of Greater St. Louis?????? 

United Way of Greater St. Louis unites people, resources, and funding to help build strong and equitable communities across a 16-county region in Missouri and Illinois. United Way's impact on the community includes equipping over 160 local nonprofits with vital funding and training resources, operating the largest Volunteer Center in the region, and connecting local neighbors to providers of services through its 211 Helpline. For more information, contact 314-421-0700 or visit?www.HelpingPeople.org.???