Illinois American Water Employees Volunteer More Than 475 Hours to Support Local Communities

BELLEVILLE, Illinois, October 14, 2026 — Illinois American Water employees contributed more than 475 volunteer hours to community organizations across the state during the company's annual AmerICANs In Action! Month of Service. The initiative brought together 125 employees who supported 13 local organizations through projects focused on hunger relief, environmental protection, neighborhood improvement, youth development and community health.

The volunteer activities took place last month in communities served by Illinois American Water, highlighting the company's efforts to encourage employee engagement and support local nonprofit organizations.

"Our companywide month of service is a reminder of our pledge to live out our company values, helping our neighbors and customers by giving back locally," said Rebecca Losli, president of Illinois American Water.

Losli added that the projects and community partnerships demonstrate employees' commitment to the communities where they live and work.

Illinois American Water's Community Volunteer Initiatives

During the Month of Service, employees partnered with nonprofit organizations, food banks, environmental groups and community programs across Illinois. Their activities addressed a range of local needs, from providing essential supplies to improving public spaces and supporting vulnerable residents.

1. American Red Cross — Peoria

In Peoria, employees supported a mobile blood drive organized to help increase access to critical patient care.

Blood donations play an essential role in healthcare, helping hospitals provide treatment to patients who need transfusions during emergencies, medical procedures and other serious health situations.

2. Eastern Illinois Foodbank — Urbana

Volunteers helped sort donated food at the Eastern Illinois Foodbank, supporting efforts to address food insecurity throughout eastern Illinois.

According to the company announcement, the food bank provided 11.7 million meals through nearly 200 agencies and programs over the previous year.

The initiative highlights the role of food distribution networks in connecting donated resources with individuals and families experiencing food insecurity.

3. Got Faith Ministry — Jerseyville

Employees assisted Got Faith Ministry with its food pantry activities, helping provide food and support to local residents.

The organization has served Jersey County for nearly two decades, offering food, clothing, outreach programs and other assistance to people in need.

4. Heart Haven OutReach — Bolingbrook

At Heart Haven OutReach's Cheesy Pretzel 5K, volunteers distributed water to help participants stay hydrated during the event.

The race raised funds for programs serving middle and high school students in Bolingbrook and surrounding communities.

The organization focuses on supporting young people and helping them build stronger futures through community-based initiatives.

5. Livingston County Environmental Association — Pontiac

Environmental protection was another focus of the volunteer program.

Employees helped remove truckloads of tires from the river during the Livingston County Environmental Association's 15th Vermillion River Clean-Up. The collected tires were to be properly disposed of as part of efforts to protect local waterways.

Removing improperly discarded waste can help improve river environments and support broader community conservation efforts.

6. Peoria Park District — Peoria

Volunteers collected trash along the Peoria Riverfront during the Illinois River Sweep.

The event was supported by a 2026 American Water Charitable Foundation Water & Environment Grant, connecting local volunteer action with environmental improvement efforts.

The cleanup demonstrates how employee participation, community organizations and grant funding can work together to address local environmental concerns.

7. Project Compassion — Belleville

In Belleville, employees participated in Project Compassion's fifth Charity Golf Tournament.

The event helped raise funds to support residents in need in Belleville and nearby communities, combining fundraising with local community engagement.

8. Rebuilding Together Southwest Illinois — Alton

Volunteers helped improve an elderly homeowner's living conditions by building a wheelchair ramp and an entertainment center.

The project focused on practical home improvements that can support accessibility and quality of life.

Rebuilding Together works to preserve affordable homeownership and revitalize communities through home repairs and related initiatives.

9. Regional Business Council and Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis — East St. Louis

Employees joined local leaders, residents and community partners in the Clean Up, Build Up project in East St. Louis.

The initiative involved demolishing abandoned properties and clearing brush and debris to help create cleaner and safer neighborhoods.

Such projects bring together community members and organizations to address neglected properties and improve shared spaces.

10. Roamer Cruise Night and Car Show — Streator

At the Roamer Cruise Night and Car Show in Streator, volunteers distributed water to attendees to help them stay cool and hydrated.

The company reported that approximately 20,000 people attended the event, which featured more than 600 antique cars.

The activity allowed employees to support a local gathering while helping improve the experience for visitors.

11. Sleep in Heavenly Peace — Alton

Illinois American Water employees organized a bedding donation drive before volunteering with Sleep in Heavenly Peace.

Team members then helped build beds as part of the nonprofit's mission to ensure that children have beds of their own.

The initiative addresses a basic household need and supports efforts to improve children's living conditions.

12. United Way of Champaign County — Champaign

Volunteers packed more than 5,500 diapers for the Bottom Line Diaper Bank, helping local families access essential supplies for infants and young children.

The activity forms part of American Water's broader partnership with United Way organizations across Illinois through community support and strategic impact grants.

Access to diapers can be an important concern for families managing tight household budgets, making diaper banks a valuable community resource.

13. West Suburban Community Pantry — Woodridge

At West Suburban Community Pantry, employees organized incoming donations, packed orders and assisted with other pantry operations.

Team members also prepared recipe packages before arriving at the organization, which were to be donated as part of the volunteer effort.

The activities helped support the pantry's work distributing food and resources to community members.

Corporate Volunteering and Community Impact

Illinois American Water's Month of Service illustrates how employee volunteer programs can support local nonprofit organizations and address community needs.

The company's activities covered several areas of social impact, including food security, youth support, environmental stewardship, housing accessibility and public health.

By contributing time and working alongside established organizations, employees helped expand the capacity of local initiatives without relying solely on financial donations.

The program also demonstrates how companies can connect corporate values with practical community engagement, especially when volunteer activities are aligned with the needs identified by nonprofit partners.

Ryan Lawrence, executive director of Heart Haven OutReach, welcomed the company's participation and highlighted the importance of corporate partners in supporting the organization's work with students and the broader community.

About Illinois American Water

Illinois American Water provides water and wastewater services to communities across Illinois. The company also participates in community initiatives and partnerships intended to support residents, local organizations and environmental projects.

People interested in its community involvement activities can find additional information through the company's official website.

Conclusion

Illinois American Water reported that 125 employees contributed more than 475 volunteer hours across 13 organizations during its annual Month of Service.

From food bank operations and diaper donations to river cleanups, home accessibility improvements and youth-focused programs, the activities addressed a variety of needs in communities throughout the state.

The initiative underscores the contribution employee volunteering can make when businesses collaborate with nonprofit organizations and local partners to strengthen the communities they serve.

Source: Illinois American Water press release distributed by PR Newswire, October 14, 2026.

For more information, visit the official Illinois American Water website: https://www.illinoisamwater.com/