BELLEVILLE, Ill., Oct. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Every year, Illinois American Water employees participate in the company's AmerICANs In Action! Month of Service by volunteering at local organizations. Last month, 125 employees volunteered at 13 local organizations across communities served by the company for a combined total of more than 475 hours. Team members supported initiatives that address food insecurity, neighborhood revitalization, environmental stewardship, youth needs, and community health.
"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," says Rebecca Losli, President, Illinois American Water. "The many projects supported and our community partnerships reflect our employees' commitment to the places where they live, work and serve. We're proud to support these organizations as our team members continue making a positive impact."
During the month of service, employees supported the following community initiatives across Illinois:
American Red Cross, Peoria, IL:
Team members held a mobile blood drive, helping to increase access to critical patient care. The American Red Cross saves millions of lives every year through disaster relief, lifesaving blood, and other relief to those in crisis.
Eastern Illinois Foodbank, Urbana, IL:
Volunteers sorted donations, helping to alleviate hunger in Eastern Illinois. In the past year, the Eastern Illinois Foodbank provided 11.7 million meals to nearly 200 agencies and programs.
Got Faith Ministry, Jerseyville, IL:
Volunteers put company values into action by helping to "feed and inspire" neighbors at the organization's food pantry. Got Faith Ministries has been serving Jersey County for nearly two decades, providing food, clothing, outreach programs, and support to community members in need.
Heart Haven OutReach, Bolingbrook, IL:
Volunteers provided refreshing water to help racers stay hydrated throughout Heart Haven OutReach's Cheesy Pretzel 5K. The event helped raise funds to support middle and high school students in Bolingbrook and the surrounding area.
Livingston County Environmental Association, Pontiac, IL:
Volunteers helped remove truckloads of tires from the river to be properly disposed of during the Livingston County Environmental Association's 15th Vermillion River Clean-Up, supporting local efforts to protect waterways and environment.
Peoria Park District, Peoria, IL:
Volunteers helped clean up trash along the Peoria Riverfront at the Illinois River Sweep. The event is made possible by a 2026 American Charitable Foundation Water & Environment Grant.
Project Compassion, Belleville, IL:
Volunteers at Project Compassion's 5th Charity Golf Tournament helped raise funds to support neighbors in need in Belleville and the surrounding area.
Rebuilding Together Southwest Illinois, Alton, IL:
Volunteers built a wheelchair ramp and entertainment center for an elderly homeowner. Rebuilding Together is the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving affordable homeownership and revitalizing communities.
Regional Business Council and the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Inc., East St. Louis, IL:
Volunteers joined local leaders, residents, and community partners to help demolish abandoned properties and to clear brush and debris as part of the Clean Up, Build Up project, helping to create safer, cleaner and stronger neighborhoods in East St. Louis.
Roamer Cruise Night and Car Show, Streator, IL:
Volunteers provided attendees with water to stay cool and hydrated throughout the event. An estimated 20 thousand people attended to view the 600+ antique cars on display.
Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Alton, IL:
Team members held a bedding donation drive leading up their time volunteering at Sleep in Heavenly Peace to build beds. The nonprofit's mission is to eradicate unhoused youth.
United Way of Champaign County, Champaign, IL:
Volunteers packed over 5,500 diapers for the Bottom Line Diaper Bank, helping families meet their basic needs. This volunteer initiative highlights American Water's ongoing partnership with United Way organizations across the state.
West Suburban Community Pantry, Woodridge, IL:
Volunteers at West Suburban Community Pantry helped organize incoming donations, packed orders, and more. As part of their service, the team will also donate recipe packages, which were assembled by employees prior to arriving.
"Volunteers help drive our mission forward, increasing our capacity to make a positive impact in the futures of local students, our community, and the world," said Ryan Lawrence, Executive Director, Heart Haven OutReach. "We appreciate the contributions of our corporate partners, including that of Illinois American Water."
For more details on how Illinois American Water makes a difference in the communities we serve, please visit www.illinoisamwater.com > News & Community > Community Involvement.
About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 19 military installations. American Water's approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company's national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders. For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.
About Illinois American Water
Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state with approximately 600 dedicated employees working to provide safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.3 million people. American Water also operates a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville.
SOURCE American Water