The History
Now in its 37th year, the Good News of Christmas campaign continues to make a lasting impact in our community. Originally launched in 1988 by the Herald-Whig, the initiative is now proudly managed and sponsored by United Way of Adams County, marking our fifth year leading this meaningful program.
Since its founding, Good News of Christmas has worked hard to provide a meaningful holiday season for countless families in need across West-Central Illinois and Northeast Missouri. Each holiday season, families are identified by local caseworkers who understand their unique situations and challenges. Through the generosity of community members, businesses, schools, and organizations, these families receive critical support and a renewed sense of hope during the holidays.
What began as an incredible charitable effort has become a cherished community tradition. United Way began partnering on case management in 2003 and officially took over the campaign in 2021.
Over the years, the program has earned statewide recognition, including the Governor’s Cup in 1991 for volunteerism and a Community Service Award from the Illinois Press Association in 2014, highlighting the extraordinary compassion and commitment of our region.
At United Way of Adams County, we’re honored to continue the legacy of Good News of Christmas and invite you to be a part of spreading hope and joy during the holiday season.
Give the Gift of Giving Back This Christmas
United Way of Adams County coordinates the adoption process for all Good News of Christmas cases. Please contact the Communications & Program Director, Makayla Buckley, at 217.224.1223 to adopt a family and help make their Christmas magical.
Be a Part of the Christmas Joy
Volunteer
Volunteering for Good News of Christmas is a great way to get involved. With anywhere from 30-50 nominated families that have 3+ members each, there are hundreds of presents to shop for and to be wrapped. The Good News of Christmas Volunteer Center, located in the Quincy Town Center, opens the Monday after Thanksgiving every year. Hours may vary from year to year, so please follow the link below to ensure the most accurate information.
Volunteer Center
Open December 1, 2025 - December 18, 2025
Quincy Town Center - 2025 Location to be Announced Later
Hours
Monday - Thursday 5:00p-9:00p
Friday 12:00p-3:00p
Saturdays & Sundays 1:00p-5:00p
Bring your family, friends, church group, coworkers or just yourself and stop by the Good News of Christmas Volunteer Center to shop for gifts or wrap presents!
For more information about how to help the campaign, contact Makayla Buckley at 217.224.1223.
2025 Volunteer Hours & Volunteer Sign-Up Opportunities will be posted on November 1st
Donate or Adopt
Monetary donations can be sent to United Way of Adams County. Please make checks payable to the order of Good News of Christmas. Electronic donations can be made through Venmo with a description note of GNOC or by following this link. Be sure to comment Good News of Christmas to ensure your contribution is designated to the proper program.
Donations are used to buy gifts and household items needed by the families served. If you wish for your donation to be directed to a specific Good News family, please note the case number on the check. Checks can be made out to Good News of Christmas.
Donations of Services
Many of the Good News cases are in need of car and house repairs. Others are in need of eye and dental exams. Persons wishing to donate these types of services can make arrangements by calling Makayla Buckley at 217.224.1223.
Donations of Merchandise
New clothing and household items can be deposited in Good News collection boxes located throughout Quincy. The drop off boxes are available from November 28 through December 18 at The Quincy Town Center, United Way of Adams County, Quincy Farm & Home Supply, and Sam's Club. We can only accept new items, nothing used.
Nominate a Family
Churches, businesses, families, individuals and civic groups interested in adopting a specific Good News family are asked to call United Way of Adams County at 217.224.1223.
Frequently Asked Questions
The United Way of Adams County is coordinating the adoption process for the Good News cases. Individuals, families, churches, businesses and civic groups are invited to adopt a family and have the opportunity to shop for gifts for the children and adults in the home. Please contact Makayla at 217-224-1223 to adopt a family and make their Christmas one filled with happiness and joy.
Families who wish to be considered for The Good News of Christmas must be nominated by a caseworker in the following counties: Adams, Brown, Pike, Hancock, Clark, Lewis, Shelby, Monroe, Marion and Ralls. This is a once in a lifetime gift. Families who have already been a recipient or are looking for assistance for their children for Christmas can contact the following:
- Catholic Charities - 620 Maine - 217-222-0958
- The Salvation Army - 333 North 6th - 2174-222-2087
Families who wish to be considered for Good News need to talk with the counselors at their children's schools or caseworkers at agencies from which they receive services (Department of Human Services, Quincy Housing Authority, Transitions, Bella Ease, etc.) The process to identify Good News families begins in September each year.
Volunteers are needed to shop for families, sort donated gifts and wrap/label presents. If you are interested in serving as a Good News volunteer, call Makayla at 217-224-1223, or stop by the Good News Volunteer Center, which will be open the Monday following Thanksgiving in the Quincy Town Center. Hours are determined closer to opening day. Volunteers are a big part of the success of the Good News program. Call to see how you can lend your hands to make a difference.
Monetary support for the Good News of Christmas campaign can be sent to United Way of Adams County at 936 Broadway Street, Ste F, Quincy, IL 62301, or can be dropped off at the Quincy Town Center's location while the Volunteer Center is open. If you want your gift to be directed to a specific family, please note the Good News case number on your check and it will be used to purchase items for that family. Contributions are tax-deductible and gifts of all sizes are welcome. Every donation to the Good News campaign has a direct impact on the families served.
All donations for the Good News of Christmas campaign can be dropped off at the volunteer center during open hours. You can also drop off at any of our toy bins located around town at supporting stores. If you want your gift to be directed to a specific family, please note the Good News case number on your check and it will be used to purchase items for that family. Contributions are tax-deductible and gifts of all sizes are welcome. Every donation to the Good News campaign has a direct impact on the families served.
The Good News program is not equipped to accept used appliances or furniture. If you have gently used furniture to donate to those in need, please contact The Salvation Army for pick-up at 217-224-5998.
The United Way of Adams County is coordinating the fulfillment of Big Ticket requests such as needs for services. Please contact Makayla at 217-224-1223 to see how your skills can be a blessing for a Good News family.