Good News of Christmas
The United Way of Adams County coordinates the adoption process for the Good News Cases. Please contact the Director of Programs & Services at (217) 224-1223 to adopt a family and make their Christmas one filled with happiness and joy.
The History
The Good News of Christmas program, initially launched by the Herald Whig, is celebrating its 36th year and is now managed and sponsored by the United Way of Adams County. This marks the United Way's third year overseeing the initiative, which aims to bring holiday cheer to individuals and families in need.
Since its inception in 1988, the campaign has raised over $1.75 million, along with countless volunteer hours and services, to help more than 2,300 families get back on their feet. Every year, families in Illinois and Missouri are selected to receive assistance through case workers who are familiar with their situations.
The idea for Good News of Christmas was first proposed by several Herald-Whig employees in 1988, making it the newspaper’s inaugural charity effort. Each year, citizens, businesses, schools, and organizations in West-Central Illinois and Northeast Missouri respond with overwhelming generosity, reflecting the region’s deep-rooted tradition of compassion. In 2003, the United Way of Adams County began assisting with case management for the program, and in 2021, fully took over the campaign.
In 1991, Quincy earned the prestigious Governor’s Cup, the state’s highest award for volunteerism, in recognition of the generosity shown during the Good News campaign. The initiative also received a community service award from the Illinois Press Association in 2014.
Ways to 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.
2024 Volunteer Hours
2024 Volunteer Sign Up
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 to ensure your contribution is designated to the proper program.
Nominate
If you would like to nominate a family to be considered as a recipient of Good News of Christmas, please follow the link below to fill out the case application.
2025 Recipient Nomination Form
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 Reggie 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 recieve services (Department of Human Services, Quincy Housing Authority, Transitions, Bella Ease, ect.) 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 Reggie Freel at 217-224-1223, or stop by the Good News Volunteer Center, which will be open December 2nd– Dec. 19th in the Quincy Town Center at the Main Entrance. Hours will be 5:00p-9:00p Monday through Thursday, Fridays from 12:00p-3:00p, and 1:00p-5:00p on Saturdays and Sundays. 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, Quincy, IL 62301, or can be dropped off at the Quincy Town Center's location just west of the fountain court 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 Reggie at 217-224-1223 to see how your skills can be a blessing for a Good News family.