United for Moms Launches with First Lady MacKinnon as Honorary Chair
This May, something powerful is happening across our region—neighbors, students, businesses, and organizations are coming together with a shared purpose: to support local mothers. At the heart of this effort is United for Moms, a community-wide initiative led by United Way of Greater Central Michigan. Centered around Mother’s Day, the campaign is designed to provide everyday essentials to mothers who may be facing financial barriers.
And this year, the initiative is gaining even more momentum with the support of First Lady Leanne MacKinnon from Central Michigan University, who is serving as Honorary Chair. In her role at CMU, she is deeply engaged in campus and community life, working to foster connection, care, and a strong sense of belonging—values that align closely with the mission of United Way.
“As a mother, I know how important it is to have the support and resources needed to care for your family,” she shared. “United for Moms is a powerful way for our community to come together and ensure that mothers have access to the everyday essentials that make a real difference.”
Her leadership brings added visibility and momentum to the initiative, while also reinforcing the vital connection between the university and the surrounding community. With Central Michigan University hosting collection sites across campus; students, faculty, and staff are playing an important role in supporting families beyond campus borders.
In fact, CMU Greek Week, held April 19–23, helped kick off United for Moms in a big way, with fraternity and sorority members coming together to collect hundreds of essential items for local mothers. That early momentum has continued to grow across the community. Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch made a generous $1,000 donation to help launch the effort, and Headliners Salon brought people together through their annual Red Carpet event—donating all proceeds to support mothers in our region.
Together, these early contributions are setting the tone for what’s possible when a community rallies around a shared purpose!
Join the Effort: Collection Drives & Key Dates
For many households, items like diapers, shampoo, or household cleaning supplies can quickly become a financial strain. United for Moms works to ease that burden—connecting community generosity with local nonprofit partners who can place these items directly into the hands of mothers who need them most.
Throughout the month of May, collection drives are taking place across the region, making it easy for individuals, businesses, and organizations to get involved. For those looking to contribute, a suggested shopping list of most-needed items can be found here. Pick up a few essentials and drop them off at your nearest collection day site or drop-off your items anytime at one of our United Way offices!
Donations collected throughout the month will culminate in a series of community-wide collection days across the region. These opportunities to give will take place on the following dates and times:
Gratiot
COLLECTION DAY
May 19, 2026
10AM-2PM
Wilcox Non-Profit Center
525 N. State Street
Alma, MI 48801
IONIA
COLLECTION DAY
May 20, 2026
11AM-2PM
Ionia First United Methodist Church
105 E. Main Street
Ionia, MI 48846
MONTCALM
COLLECTION DAY
May 27, 2026
11AM-2PM
Lemont Renterghem Nonprofit Center
101 N. Lafayette Street
Greenville, MI 48838
ISABELLA
COLLECTION DAY
May 28, 2026
10AM-2PM
Mt. Pleasant Farmers’ Market (Island Park)
331 N. Main Street
Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858
United Way will coordinate the distribution of all donated items to local nonprofit partners—ensuring they reach mothers and families who need them most. In Gratiot County, benefiting organizations include Pregnancy Services of Gratiot County, Pompeii Baby Pantry, Child Advocacy Baby Pantry, and the Gratiot Community Personal Needs Pantry. In Isabella County, donations will support LifeClinic of Mt. Pleasant, RISE Advocacy, The Care Store, and the CCN Infant Pantry. In Montcalm and Ionia Counties, partner organizations include Alpha Family Services, Trinity Church Baby Pantry, R.A.V.E. (Relief After Violent Encounter), Community Drawers, and Pregnancy Services of Ionia County.
This May, join First Lady MacKinnon and United Way of Greater Central Michigan to be part of the impact! Because together, we can make sure no mother in our community goes without the basics, and every family has the opportunity to thrive.
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