Kindness Projects: Making a Difference Together
At the heart of Women United are our Kindness Projects—volunteer-driven initiatives that bring women together to create meaningful change in Kankakee and Iroquois Counties. These projects embody our commitment to transforming lives and building a brighter future for women and girls in our community.
Since 2021, Women United members have completed 17 impactful Kindness Projects, addressing vital needs and spreading joy throughout the region. From packaging snack boxes for families at Mattea’s Joy to collecting over $2,600 worth of diapers for Living Alternatives Pregnancy Resource Center, these efforts directly support women and their families during times of need. We’ve also hosted professional clothing drives to empower women reentering the workforce, ensuring they have the tools and confidence to succeed.
Kindness Projects are more than volunteer opportunities—they are a chance to connect with like-minded women, collaborate for a common cause, and see the immediate impact of our efforts in the community. Together, we’re proving that small acts of kindness can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
Join us as we continue to make a difference—one project at a time.
October 2024 - Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month – In honor of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, Women United hosted a volunteer event to create care packages for mothers who have experienced a loss. We assembled 150 packages, each containing a small flower pot donated by Mattea’s Joy, seeds to plant in memory of their loss, a handwritten card, and resources to offer warmth and support to the mothers receiving them. Kits were delivered to local hospitals and Comer Childrens Hospital in Chicago.
October 2024 - Feminine Hygiene Donation Drive – Women United and Zonta partnered to host a Feminine Hygiene Donation Drive. Many women and girls in our community struggle to access essential hygiene products, and these donations made a big impact. All 500+ items collected were distributed to local food pantries in Kankakee County. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this important cause!
September 2024 - Literacy Kit Assembly – Women United partnered with Success By 6 to celebrate Literacy Month by assembling 300 literacy kits for local students! Volunteers gathered at Community Cup Church in Kankakee to fill each kit with a book, school supplies, and resources to encourage reading at home, plus a special hand-decorated box from our volunteers. These kits support United Way’s mission to help children be ready for kindergarten and achieve grade-level reading by third grade.
September 2024 - Yoga & Wellness at The Grove – Women United hosted a Yoga and Wellness event at The Grove in Bourbonnais, bringing the community together for an evening of movement and empowerment. Attendees participated in a Beginner Yoga session led by Tami Galbreath, Yoga Instructor & Women United Chairperson, followed by an inspiring TED Talk-style discussion with JaHana Holloway on building self-confidence. Thank you to Olive Branch Yoga, Thrivent – Larry Burton Office, Girl Scouts, and The Village of Bourbonnais for collaborating with us to make this event possible!
March 2024 - Letters to Her - During the 2024 Women United Breakfast, attendees wrote over 100 encouraging letters to women receiving services from our United Way Impact partners.
December 2023 - Storytime with Success by Six & Women United- Women United volunteers hosted a Storytime hour at the Kankakee Public Library, reading "The Year We Learned to Fly," an uplifting story inspiring kids to dream and use their imagination. Thank you to our friends at the Kankakee Public Library for having us!
August & September 2023 - Clothing Drive for Women - Women United collected clothing items for clients of Agape Community Outreach Mission (ACOM) who are entering the workforce. ACOM provides food and resources for those in need in Kankakee County, serving over 210 families weekly. Special thanks to our friends at CSL Behring for hosting a donation bin for their employees and the Kankakee Public Library for hosting a bin for our neighbors.
October & April 2023 - Story Time with Success by 6 & Women United - Women United and Success by 6 volunteers read meaningful books to local children followed by activity. Women United members read 'My Voice is a Trumpet' by Jimmie Allen to 38 students and helped the children describe what their voice is.
March 2023 - Letters to Her - During the 7th Annual Women United Breakfast, attendees had an opportunity to write a personal letter to a woman experiencing hardship in our community. We received over 100 heart-felt letters to share with women served by our nonprofit partners.
July 2022 - Give Joy & Feel Joy - Women United members volunteering at Mattea's Joy, packaging snack boxes for families with hospitalized children.
October 2022 - Women’s Self- Defense Workshop - Women United members had the opportunity to participate in a self- defense class taught by Master Lee and Han. This workshop was made possible thanks to the Brandon Casey’s Comfort Crew & the Bourbonnais Police Department!
JULY 2022 - Community Baby Shower - Thanks to the dedicated efforts of Women United members and local workplaces, over $2,600 worth of diapers and wipes were collected and distributed to Living Alternatives Pregnancy Resource Center.
JANUARY 2022 - Winter Coat and Glove Drive - Women United and Strong Neighborhoods hosted a winter coat and glove drive. Joining the community-wide effort, eight local businesses hosted bins for the community to donate. 234 coats and 150 pairs of gloves were collected and 20 volunteers helped to distribute the coats and gloves to neighbors in need.
DECEMBER 2021 - Santa's Workshop with Center of Hope - 23 volunteers assembled 500 gift baskets for the Center of Hope Food Pantry in Kankakee. The organization distributed these movie night-themed baskets to local families during the holiday season.
OCTOBER 2021 - Harbor House 4K - In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, ten Women United volunteers participated in Harbor House's 4k to End Domestic Violence and also wrote encouraging notes to survivors of domestic violence.
AUGUST 2021 - Donation Drive for Garden of Prayer Youth Center - Women United members collected donations valued at over $1,800 including yoga mats, slippers, bras and other goods for young women and girls participating in Garden of Prayer's youth placement program.