About the Child Welfare Guild
The Child Welfare Guild is a 100% volunteer-driven organization serving Ottawa, Illinois. Since 1932, we’ve been committed to supporting local children through donations, educational programs, clothing drives, and more.
From tutoring and essentials for local schools to partnerships with incredible organizations like the YMCA, Opportunity School, Under His Wings, and more—every dollar we raise goes right back into our community.
Supporting Ottawa’s Children Since 1932
Every dollar we raise goes right back into our community.
📍 Based in Ottawa, IL
💯 Volunteer-Run
💖 Community Focused
Kathy's BIG LEAP for a BIG CAUSE!!
Turning 75, a dream, and a generous heart into something unforgettable.
🌟 Kathy Trager’s BIG LEAP for a BIG CAUSE! 🌟
Support Kathy’s Skydive to Help Kids in Our Ottawa Community Thrive
What better way to celebrate 75 incredible years than jumping out of a perfectly good plane for charity??
Longtime Child Welfare Guild member Kathy Trager– steadfast wife to Doug, supportive mother of Katie & Michelle, proud grandmother of seven and a beloved volunteer for over 30 years – is taking a literal leap of faith at noon on Friday, July 11 with Skydive Chicago. This once-in-a-lifetime jump is inspired by a recurring dream she’s had for years… and now she’s making it real and meaningful.
Here’s the twist:
If Kathy raises $1,000 for the Child Welfare Guild of Ottawa, Skydive Chicago will generously donate the cost of her jump! That means every dollar you give goes directly toward helping children and families in our Ottawa community.
Kathy admits she’s not an adrenaline junkie – in fact, she says she’s far from it. But her heart for giving is what pushed her to turn this bucket list dream into a bold fundraiser.
Let’s rally around her and show that courage like this deserves our support!
🎯 Help Kathy reach her $1,000 goal before July 11!
Stay tuned for our upcoming events that support the children in our community.
Join us in making a positive impact in their lives.
Treasures & Trash Fall Sale
Shop for a cause at our Treasures & Trash Sale!
Find unique bargains while supporting local kids—proceeds benefit programs that make a difference in the lives of Ottawa’s youth.
Since 1932, We’ve Been Helping Children in Ottawa Thrive
Be the Reason a Child Smiles
When you give to the Child Welfare Guild NFP, you’re doing more than donating—you’re investing in the future of Ottawa’s children.
For 90+ years, we’ve donated 100% of our proceeds to programs supporting kids in need.
Every dollar stays local. Every dollar matters.
Help us uplift young lives—donate today. ❤️
Zero Fees to Us though Zeffy Platform
We’re proud to partner with Zeffy, a donation platform that covers all credit and debit card processing fees—so CWG receives every dollar you give.
During checkout, Zeffy suggests a small contribution to support their platform. This is completely optional—you can change it to $0 if you wish.
No hidden fees. No deductions. Just your full support going directly to the Child Welfare Guild’s programs and services.
Thank you for being part of the difference!
About Child Welfare Guild
Our Mission
Community Support
Our Mission
The Child Welfare Guild is a completely volunteer-run charitable organization based in Ottawa, Illinois. Since our founding in 1932, we’ve remained dedicated to one mission: supporting and uplifting the lives of local children. Every dollar we raise goes directly toward programs and services that benefit youth in our community.
Our History
Community Support
Our Mission
The Guild was originally formed to provide essential items for the nursery at Ryburn King Hospital. Over the decades, our reach and impact have grown. Today, we proudly support a variety of organizations and initiatives, including: Ottawa YMCA, Opportunity School, Camp Tuckabatchee, Safe Journeys, Feed His Children, Under His Wings…and more.
Local Impact
Community Support
Community Support
In addition to partnering with these groups, we sponsor a tutoring program for Ottawa grade school students, helping children build confidence and thrive academically. We also provide clothing and basic necessities to: Central School, Shepherd Middle School, Ottawa High School, Under His Wings, The PADS Shelter – including donations of ha
In addition to partnering with these groups, we sponsor a tutoring program for Ottawa grade school students, helping children build confidence and thrive academically. We also provide clothing and basic necessities to: Central School, Shepherd Middle School, Ottawa High School, Under His Wings, The PADS Shelter – including donations of hats and gloves to help keep families warm during colder months.
Community Support
Community Support
Community Support
Our fundraising efforts are the heart of our mission. Traditionally, we’ve hosted annual rummage sales to support our causes. In recent years, we’ve been fortunate to partner with VFW Post 2470, who have generously donated their space to help make our events possible. We’re incredibly grateful for their continued support in helping us give back to our community.