The United Way of Whiteside County annual “penny” drive at area schools raised over 1 million pennies ($10,000). At Northside School, 520 N. Genesee Street, in Morrison, IL, the United Way held a popcorn party with Ms Smith’s kindergarten class. The children turned in 12,409 pennies ($124.09) for the United Way during a two-week period. The children were thanked by United Way staff and volunteers. Pictured here is Craig Bowen, a United Way volunteer, presenting a certificate to Ms Smith for her class’s participation in the penny event. Special Thank You ruler book marks were given to the children from the United Way. Northside School Children turned in a total of 61,076 pennies ($610.76).
The United Way of Whiteside County provides funding in the Morrison area to
- Morrison Pre-School, serving 29 children
- Morrison Day Care, with 94 children
- Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, totaling 160 members
- Big Brother/Big Sister programs in the schools, serving 13
- Whiteside County Transportation, serving 272 Seniors
- White Oaks Therapeutic Equestrian Center.
Pictured here is Mrs. Wescott, fifth grade teacher, at Southside School, 100 Academic Drive, Morrison, with Bowen. The fifth grade class turned in 15,260 pennies ($152.60) during the recent United Way Penny drive. Each class at participating schools were given small bags to collect their pennies, and then turn the pennies into a special United Way canister. Southside School children turned in a total of 81,065 pennies ($810.65).
The United Way of Whiteside County provided over 3500 residents of Morrison with services from their partner agencies in 2014.
- Feed the Children for the 11 weeks of summer vacation served 2177 free lunches.
- Back to School supplies were given to 500 children.
- Each month, 151 children received free books, from newborn until they turn age 5.
- Funding supported the summer reading program at Odell Public Library.
Other agencies serving Morrison include American Red Cross, with 205 participating in the blood program. Catholic Charities Ombudsman program served 136 people in 2014.
Donations in support of United Way of Whiteside County can be sent to Post Office Box 806, Sterling, IL 61081.