County Opens New Milk Depot in Bolingbrook
Mothers’ Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes (Milk Bank WGL) and the Will County Health Department have partnered to bring a new human milk drop-off depot to Bolingbrook at the Will County Health Department’s Northern Branch Office, 323 Quadrangle Drive.
This joint effort increases access for approved donors and families in the area to donate lifesaving, critical nutrition for pediatric patients in need. The grand opening will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. June 13.
The event will feature raffle prizes, kid-friendly activities, a photo booth and a ceremonial ribbon cutting at 2 p.m.
The new depot in Bolingbrook marks the second collaboration between Milk Bank WGL and the Will County Health Department. A a milk depot was opened at the health department’s main office in Joliet at 501 Ella Ave. in 2024.
In less than a year, over 8,000 ounces of milk have been donated to the Joliet milk depot. That translates into over 32,000 feedings.
“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,” said 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.”
The milk drop-off depots in Bolingbrook and Joliet accept milk donations from healthy, lactating women who are screened and approved as donors through Milk Bank WGL.
Individuals interested in donating through Milk Bank WGL can visit www.milkbankwgl.org. The donor application process typically takes about two weeks.
Upon collection, donations are transported to the milk bank’s processing facility in Elk Grove Village, where the milk is pasteurized to eliminate viruses and bacteria. The pasteurized milk is tested by a third-party lab and distributed to hospitals and outpatients in Illinois and Wisconsin.
Most of the pasteurized donor human milk dispensed by Milk Bank WGL is delivered to Wisconsin and Illinois hospitals, including hospitals in Will County. Donor milk is primarily used in the NICU or postpartum unit.
Individuals looking to purchase donor milk for home use can visit www.milkbankwgl.org for a list of milk dispensaries or to fill out an outpatient interest form.
“Donor milk is lifesaving for medically fragile babies,” said Amber Barnes Clinical Manager at the Mothers’ Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes.
“Many of the smallest patients’ care plans rely on this essential nutrition. The families that are able to donate this invaluable resource are superheroes. The Will County Health Department establishing a milk depot is really an amazing community asset for our generous donors.”
Approved donors can typically access the Will County Health Department Depots in Bolingbrook and Joliet Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The depot is closed on weekends. Before dropping off milk donations, it is always best to check with the site to verify availability.
For more information, please contact the Will County Health Department’s WIC program at 815-727-8524 or Milk Bank WGL at 847-262-5134.