United Way establishes Lake County Relief Fund

As the United States continues to respond to the novel coronavirus, United Way of Lake County has created the Lake County Relief Fund to help ensure that individuals, children and families in need are supported during the pandemic.

According to Tami Lewis, UWLC marketing and communications director, the distress associated with COVID-19 is weighing heavily on everyone.

“Our goal with the Lake County Relief Fund is to help lift burdens and support our community as we

navigate our way through this unprecedented time together,” she said.

UWLC is working with its partner agencies and local nonprofit organizations to identify critical needs and resource gaps to determine the best use of funds raised.

Based on initial discussions, the UWLC anticipates an increased demand for items like food, medical supplies, cleaning supplies and more.

“We work solely for the benefit of our local community and we need the support of those able to give right now more than ever,” said Jennifer McCarty, president and CEO of UWLC.

Donations to the Lake County Relief Fund can be made in one of three ways: • online at uwlc.org/give • texting LCRelief to 44321

• mailing a check payable to United Way of Lake County, Attn: Lake County Relief, 9285 Progress Pkwy, Mentor, OH 44060

In response to the growing need for food due to layoffs and children who are home from school, UWLC held an emergency food distribution last week, ultimately supplying $20,000 in various items to 40 Lake County food pantries.

The distribution marked the second time in seven days the organization provided the community with items, as it recently donated 20 cases of food to the Salvation Army of Painesville.