‘Tis the season for giving back! If you’re interested in volunteering or donating this season, there are many worthy causes to support in Rockford, Illinois and the greater Stateline area. Here are some options for your family to help spread holiday cheer to others in our community who are in need.
Food Drives in the Stateline
Where: Kegel’s Bicycle Store
2605 Charles St., Rockford, IL
What’s Needed: New, non-perishable food items including dry cereals, breakfast or nutrition bars, peanut butter, cheese crackers, fruit roll-ups, fruit snacks, raisins, non-refreidgerated pudding cups, fruit cups, juice boxes, cookies and crackers. They also need gift wrap, tape, and gift tags.
Donations Accepted: Now – November 18, 2023 while the store is open Monday – Saturday from 10 am – 5 pm.
Kegel’s Bicycle Store is collecting food and gift wrapping for their annual ride to Rock House Kids event. Ride with them and attend a pizza party on November 18th at 11:30 am.
Where: The Gardens on Prairie Rose
4711 Prairie Rose Dr., Roscoe, IL
What’s Needed: New, non-perishable food items including canned fruit, peanut butter, applesauce, 100% juice, canned vegetables, pasta and rice, canned beans, cereal, tuna, and soup.
Donations Accepted: Now – December 9, 2023 from Monday through Friday from 9 am – 5 pm, Saturday from 10 am – 2 pm
The Gardens of Prairie Rose has a donation box set up for non-perishable food items for the Rock River Valley Pantry.
The Rockford Rescue Mission is trying to raise funds for 14,257 meals this year. If you’d like to donate money to help provide Thanksgiving meals from The Rockford Rescue Mission, donate here.
Clothing & Item Drives in the Stateline
Email us at hello@statelinekids.com if you know of any local clothing or item drives.
Toy Drives in the Stateline
Rock House Kids Amazon Christmas List – Donate a Christmas present for Rock House Kids.
Donate to the Rockford Toys for Tots campaign for Boone, Stephenson, and Winnebago counties here.
Donate to the Beloit, WI Toys for Tots here.
Where: Lou Bachrodt Chevrolet Buick GMC
7070 Cherryvale N Blvd, Rockford, IL
What’s Needed: New unwrapped toys
Donations Accepted: December 1, 2023 from 7 am – 7 pm
Lou Bachrodt is collecting new unwrapped toys for families in need. These gifts will be distributed by The Salvation Army to local families.
9th 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 16, 2023
Sneakers Sports Bar and Grill is collecting new and unwrapped toys for the Ronald McDonald House Madison. They also accept cash donations and $10 to $25 gift cards.
Giving Trees, Angel Trees, & Sponsoring Families in the Stateline
Send us an email at hello@statelinekids.com if you know of angel trees and sponsoring families for the Christmas season.
Volunteers Needed in the Stateline
Bell Ringing for the Salvation Army
Where: Many locations in the Stateline
What’s Needed: Donation of your time, bell ringing
Donations Accepted: November 10 – December 24, 2023
The Salvation Army Red Kettles have been a holiday tradition since 1891. But did you know, the money raised during the 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, and tutor in their Works! Center, sort donations, or mentor a recovering man or woman. Sign up here.
Places to Make Monetary Donations To in the Stateline
Send us an email at hello@statelinekids.com if you know of places where families can make monetary donations for the holidays.
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!
