UWLC donates food from postponed event

Aiming to make an impact through one of its traditional events, United Way of Lake County was quickly able to come up with a Plan B to assist another organization, and thus the community.

Due to the current health climate brought on by novel coronavirus, UWLC last week postponed its popular annual “Celebrity Server” fundraiser.

This week, the nonprofit donated the food scheduled to be served at the event to the Salvation Army of Painesville. Items included corned beef, pork loin, eggs, cheese, potatoes and eggrolls.

The Irish-themed fundraiser has been rescheduled for May 20 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the American-Croatian Lodge in Eastlake and will be celebrated as “St. Paddy’s Day in May.”

Nearly 500 people were expected to turn out in support of UWLC’s largest fundraiser, which raised a record-breaking $40,000 last year to benefit Lake County residents in need.

“The work we do is solely for the benefit of the Lake County community and its residents,” said UWLC President and CEO Jennifer McCarty. “It’s my belief that given the current health climate, we must all exercise an abundance of caution. This is why the decision to postpone the event was made.”

Currently, the organization is in the midst of its 28th Annual Food Drive and Fundraiser.

McCarty said the effects of COVID-19 are hitting everyone hard, as people continue to be asked to distance themselves from gatherings and even workplaces, in addition to many events being cancelled or suspended.

“This finds our community’s working poor in a more compromised position than normal, which is why monetary donations in support of our food drive are critical right now,” she added.

According to the organization, a full 34.5 percent of Lake County households face barriers to self-sufficiency, primarily residents who live in poverty or barely above, earning more than the federal poverty level but less than the cost of living.

This percentage includes a stark 27 percent of households which fall into the “ALICE” threshold, a United Way acronym that stands for “Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed.” “The Lake County community genuinely cares for one another and can always be counted on to step up and help those in need,” McCarty said. “Due to the effects of COVID-19, this is one of those times we need everyone to open their hearts and wallets to charity. Every $5 donated is enough to provide 20 meals to someone suffering from hunger and struggling to put food on the table.”

The organization benefits from economies of scale when making purchases to help restock over 40 local Lake County food pantries. Donations can be made online at www.uwlc.org/ feed. Checks made payable to United Way of Lake County can also be sent to 9285 Progress Parkway, Mentor, OH, 44094.