United Way shifts Day of Action to April 22 to coincide with Earth Day

Mariah Vail, executive director of the United Way for Kankakee and Iroquois Counties, told the Kankakee City Council Community Development Committee on Jan. 6 that this year’s Day of Action will be held April 22 to align with Earth Day.

“Instead of doing a day of action in June, like we did last year, we're going to try shifting it to April 22nd to match up with Earth Day,” Vail said. She asked aldermen to coordinate by ward and identify projects — such as park and street beautification, benches or other improvements — and to contact her over the next month so the United Way can finalize plans before returning to the committee in February.

Vail said the United Way is pursuing local sponsorships to create a small fund for buying items such as benches or plants that were not affordable last year. She also said the organization plans to run projects across Kankakee’s seven wards and to partner with nearby communities to hold simultaneous activities.

“I'm gonna maybe pass Dave my cards... What I'll just ask of all of you is, if you could work together as a ward just like we did last year,” Vail told the committee, offering her contact card and asking aldermen to share project ideas so the United Way can begin promotion earlier than in 2024.

Aldermen asked logistical questions on scheduling and participation; Vail said organizers try to stagger projects so volunteers can move between sites and noted the United Way and its partners will staff or check in on projects throughout the day.

Vail said she will return to the committee in February with initial project ideas and any requests for specific financial support. The committee did not take formal action on the presentation.

The April 22 date falls on a Tuesday in 2025; Vail asked members to coordinate within their wards and to contact her for planning.