Wake Up Tri-Counties Linda Blair Talks Start of 2026 Kewanee Area United Way Fundraising Campaign

Linda Blair joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about the start of the 2026 Kewanee Area United Way (KAUW) fundraising campaign. KAUW’s annual fundraising campaign is now underway across the Tri-Counties, following an October kickoff event hosted by the Kewanee Kiwanis and Rotary clubs. Executive Director Linda Blair highlights a challenging year, with donations down as much as 40%.  Many contributions may be tax-deductible, and ongoing workplace campaigns—where employees pledge a small amount from each paycheck—are a key source of funding. United Way tracks how funds are used, offering donors transparency and accountability. Current projects include the successful Shoes for Kids initiative, which partners with school systems to provide footwear to children in need. The organization also supports food assistance and utility aid through grants to groups like the Salvation Army. Community involvement remains crucial as the demand for assistance continues to rise. Even so, recent support from businesses like Peoples National Bank and Great Dane—recent donations include $8,300 and almost $4,000, respectively—has helped the organization continue funding for local agencies, including food pantries, youth programs, and the Shoes for Kids initiative. KAUW helped 15 agencies in 2025, providing over $80,000 in contributions. The amount of money and number of agencies they can help are dependent on donations from businesses and individuals.

Community fundraisers such as Jail and Bail, trivia contests, and Rock and Roll Bingo are all planned to boost support in 2026. Donations can be made online, by mail at KAUW, PO Box 426, Kewanee, IL, 61443, or in person at 200 East Street South. Follow KAUW on Facebook and stay up-to-date with information.