Building on the remarkable success of our first milk depot, the Will County Health Department is excited to announce the opening of our second human milk drop-off location in Bolingbrook, Illinois. This expansion represents our continued commitment to supporting the most vulnerable infants in our community and making it even easier for generous donors to contribute this life-saving resource.
Vendors, WIC employees and Community leaders celebrating the new Milk Depot!
A Partnership That Continues to Grow
Our collaboration with the Mothers’ Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes (Milk Bank WGL) has proven to be transformative for families throughout Will County. The new depot at our Northern Branch Office (323 Quadrangle Drive) marks a significant milestone in our shared mission to provide critical nutrition to pediatric patients in need.
The numbers speak volumes about our community’s generosity. Since opening our first depot in Joliet in 2024, donors have contributed over 8,000 ounces of precious breast milk, that’s more than 32,000 individual feedings for babies who need it most. This extraordinary response from our community has inspired us to expand access with this second location.
Celebrating the Grand Opening
On June 13, 2025, we officially opened our Bolingbrook location. Our celebration included:
- Raffle prizes with exciting giveaways
- Kid-friendly activities for the whole family
- Photo booth to capture memories
- Ceremonial ribbon cutting
The Heart Behind the Mission
“We’re proud to continue our partnership with Mothers’ Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes and expand our impact by opening a second milk depot location in Bolingbrook,” shares Alyssa Densberger, Nutrition Specialist, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, and WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator at the Will County Health Department. “Since December, families in our community have donated approximately 8,000 ounces of breastmilk, an extraordinary gift that helps nourish the most vulnerable babies. We feel truly fortunate to witness the generosity of these families and the difference they’re making every day.”
How Your Donation Makes a Difference
Both our Bolingbrook and Joliet locations accept donations from healthy, lactating women who complete Milk Bank WGL’s thorough screening process. The application typically takes about two weeks, and interested donors can begin the process at www.milkbankwgl.org.
Once donated, every ounce follows a carefully monitored journey:
- Collection: Donations are gathered from our convenient depot locations
- Transportation: Milk is transported to the processing facility in Elk Grove Village
- Pasteurization: Advanced pasteurization eliminates viruses and bacteria while preserving nutritional benefits
- Testing: Third-party laboratory testing ensures the highest safety standards
- Distribution: Approved milk reaches hospitals and outpatients across Illinois and Wisconsin
Meeting Critical Needs in Our Community
The impact of donor milk extends far beyond numbers. Most of the pasteurized donor human milk goes directly to Wisconsin and Illinois hospitals, including facilities right here in Will County. These donations primarily serve our most vulnerable patients in NICUs and postpartum units, where every feeding can be a matter of life and death.
Convenient Access for Donors
We’ve designed our depot schedule to accommodate busy families. Both the Bolingbrook and Joliet locations operate:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Wednesday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Weekends: Closed
We always recommend calling ahead to verify availability before making your donation trip.
The first Bolingbrook donor Karina, sharing her amazing 1,700 ounces!
For Families in Need
If your family requires donor milk for home use, Milk Bank WGL provides resources to help. Visit www.milkbankwgl.org for a complete list of milk dispensaries or to complete an outpatient interest form.
A Growing Network of Care
With two convenient locations now serving Will County, we’re creating an even stronger network of support for families in crisis and donors who want to help. This expansion reflects our community’s incredible generosity and our shared commitment to ensuring that every baby has access to the nutrition they need to thrive.
The success of our first depot proves that when we come together as a community, we can accomplish extraordinary things. With over 32,000 feedings provided in less than a year we are collecting milk, collecting hope, healing, and the promise of healthier futures for our most vulnerable residents.
Get Involved
Whether you’re interested in becoming a donor, learning more about the process, or supporting our mission in other ways, we invite you to be part of this life-saving effort. Contact the Will County Health Department’s WIC program at 815-727-8524 or reach out to Milk Bank WGL at 847-262-5134.
Together, we’re proving that small acts of generosity can have enormous impacts. One ounce at a time, one feeding at a time, one life at a time, we’re making a difference that will resonate through our community for years to come.
The Will County Health Department is dedicated to promoting health and preventing disease throughout our community. Learn more about our programs and services by visiting our website or connecting with us on social media. https://willcountyhealth.org/
