‘Tis the season for giving back! If you’re interested in volunteering or donating this season, there are many worthy causes in the Rockford area to support. Here are some options for your family to help spread holiday cheer to others in our community who are in need.
Food Drives
Holiday Food Drive
Where: Rockford Indoor City Market
116 N. Madison St., Rockford, IL
What’s Needed: New, non-perishable food items
Donations Accepted: Now – December 7, 2020
The Rockford City Market has a donation box set up for non-perishable food items for the Northern Illinois Food Bank.
If you’d like to donate to a Thanksgiving meal from The Rockford Rescue Mission, donate here.
Clothing & Item Drives
Cell Phones for Soldiers
Where: Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful
4665 Hydraulic Rd., Rockford, IL
8409 N. 2nd St., Machesney Park, IL
What’s Needed: Used cell phones and tablets
Donations Accepted: Now – November 25, 2020 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays from 2 pm – 5 pm on weekdays and 9 am – 12 pm on Saturdays
This program offers free calling cards to soldiers by recycling old tablets and cell phones and keeping them out of our landfills. All of the devices are wiped using the same standards as the Department of Defense.
Toy Drives
Rock House Kids Drive
Where: Paymaster Pawn and Jewelers
1103 7th St., Rockford, IL
What’s Needed: Basketballs, slipper socks, remote control cars, waterproof gloves, christmas candy, LEGO sets, LOL dolls, slime, sketchbooks, and more.
Donations Accepted: Now – December 1, 2020 from 9 am – 5 pm
Paymaster Pawn is collecting gifts for Rock House Kids. They are looking for the items listed in the graphic above.
Salvation Army Toy Drive
Where: Gem Shop and Diamond Source
110 W. Main St., Rockton, IL
South Beloit Fire Department
429 Gardner St., South Beloit, IL
What’s Needed: New unwrapped toys, new kids clothing items for kids ages newborn – 15 years old
Donations Accepted: Now – December 10, 2020
Bring new toys and clothing to the Gem Shop or South Beloit Fire Department. These gifts will be given to the Salvation Army for distribution.
To donate money to Toys for Tots, click here.
23rd Annual Toy Drive
Where: Lou Bachrodt Chevrolet Buick GMC
7070 Cherryvale N Blvd, Rockford, IL
What’s Needed: New unwrapped toys
Donations Accepted: Now – December 4, 2020
Lou Bachrodt is collecting new unwrapped toys for families in need. These gifts will be distributed by The Salvation Army to local families.
Books a Million Toy and Book Drive
Where: Books-A-Million
2500 Milton Ave #103, Janesville, WI
What’s Needed: New unwrapped toys and books
Donations Accepted: Now – December 13, 2020
Books a Million is collecting new unwrapped toys and books for House of Mercy Homeless Center.
6th Annual Lexie’s Legacy Toy Drive
Where: Sneakers Sports Bar and Grill
1221 Woodman Rd., Janesville, WI
What’s Needed: New unwrapped toys
Donations Accepted: Now – December 14, 2020
Sneakers Sports Bar and Grill is collecting new and unwrapped toys for the Ronald McDonald House Madison and the YMCA Rock County. They also accept cash donations.
Giving Trees, Angel Trees, & Sponsoring Families for Christmas
Salvation Army Giving Trees in Rock County
Where: Sam’s Clubs and Walmarts in Rock County and online
What’s Needed: Gifts for families in our community
Donations Accepted: November 23 – December 24, 2018
Want to help a local family during the holidays? Buy a new teddy bear, book, or mittens… something to put on or under the Giving Tree. Shoppers can purchase items and return them to the Giving Tree through Christmas Eve.
The Giving Trees are located in Walmarts and Sam Clubs in Rock County. You can also order something from their gift registry here.
Other Donation Options
815 Gives Back
Where: Online (money donations)
Drop off at XL Contracting on November 15
11015 Main St. Roscoe, IL
What’s Needed: Money donations, coats, winter gear, blankets, diapers, toys, baby care items, personal and hygeine items, household items, cleaning items, individually wrapped food items and water bottles.
Donations Accepted: Drop-off donations on November 15, drawing closes on November 25, 2020
815 Gives Back is raffling off prizes and collecting items for Miss Carly’s, MotherHouse Crisis Nursery, and the Rockford Family Peace Center. Join the group to participate and get more information.
Volunteers Needed
Bell Ringing for the Salvation Army
Where: Many locations in the Stateline
What’s Needed: Donation of your time, bell ringing
Donations Accepted: November 20 – December 24, 2020
The Salvation Army Red Kettles have been a holiday tradition since 1891. But did you know, the money raised during our kettle campaign is used to bring joy and relief to those in need throughout the entire year? Bell ringers are needed at numerous locations in Cherry Valley, Loves Park, Machesney Park, Rockford, Roscoe, Winnebago, Beloit, and Janesville. Sign up at www.registertoring.com
Food Packers for Northern Illinois Food Bank
Where: Northern Illinois Food Bank – Rockford branch
765 Research Pkwy, Rockford, IL
What’s Needed: Donation of your time, packing food
Donations Accepted: All year
Northern Illinois Food Bank needs volunteers to inspect, sort, and package food distributed to our hungry neighbors. Ages 8+ are welcome to volunteer. Sign up here.
Volunteer Work for Rockford Rescue Mission
Where: Rockford Rescue Mission
715 West State St. Rockford, IL
What’s Needed: Donation of your time
Donations Accepted: All year
The Rockford Rescue Mission needs volunteers who can serve a meal, tutor in their Works! Center, serve coffee at the cafe, or mentor a recovering man or woman. Sign up here.
If you’re in need of help, please know there are resources out there for you too.
Salvation Army Christmas Assistance for Rock County Residents
Sign up for Christmas assistance using this form. Sign up ends December 7, 2020.
Salvation Army Christmas Assistance for Winnebago County Residents
Sign up for Christmas assistance using this form. Sign up ends December 4, 2020.
Toys for Toys Christmas Assistance for Winnebago, Boone, and Stephenson County Residents
Sign up here for Toys for Tots assistance. Sign up ends December 6, 2020.
We’re adding to this list as we find resources. If you know of something we’ve missed, please email us at hello@statelinekids.com and let us know!
I AM A SENIOR IN BELVIDERE AND I WANT TO HELP SPONCER A FAMILY FOR CHRISTMAS I HAVE A FREE TURKRY/HAM TICKET AND IF THERE IS A FAMILY WITH KIDS MAYBE I COULD HELP WITH THEIR HOLIDAYS.PLS LET ME KNOW AS SOON AS POSSIBLE 8155443597