NEW WAY OF CARING

Amid COVID-19 pandemic, United Way of Lake County leads contactless drive-by Care Kit donation drive across county

Faced with health directives and social distancing protocols amid the novel coronavirus pandemic, United Way of Lake County was again able to shift one of its staple events and create an alternative scenario to serve and support the community.

Previously it was the organization’s recent annual meeting, this time it was hosting a drive-by drop off Care Kit donation event June 24.

While the Care Kit donation drive is new for 2020, the Day of Caring initiative marks its 28th year.

The overall 10-hour event was held at five locations across the county, including UWLC’s main office, the Perry Public Library and Mentor Public Library’s Main Branch.

“We’re continuing to work hard to meet the needs of our community and due to the pandemic, we’ve replaced our traditional Day of Caring with a new way for the community to come together to help our most vulnerable residents during this time of great need,” said UWLC President and CEO Jennifer McCarty.

“We’re continuing to work hard to meet the needs of our community and due to the pandemic, we’ve replaced our traditional Day of Caring with a new way for the community to come together to help our most vulnerable residents during this time of great need.” — Jennifer McCarty, United Way of Lake County president and CEO

Residents, businesses and organizations throughout the day delivered:

• Food care kits containing nonperishable items;

• Health care kits containing dental and personal hygiene items;

• Safety care kits containing personal protective equipment, including hand sanitizer and medical gloves;

• Education care kits containing back-to-school supplies;

• Financial stability care kits containing gas cards, bus passes and food and grocery store gift cards; and

• Baby care kits containing diapers, bottles and clothes.

The Care Kit Day of Caring event was held to replace UWLC’s annual Day of Caring during which the organization connects nonprofit, civic and community projects with volunteers to make a meaningful impact throughout Lake County.

According to UWLC, volunteers typically work on a variety of projects which include activities like indoor and outdoor painting, weeding, raking, trimming, gardening, spreading mulch, edging flower beds, planting and yard clean-up to hosting barbecues and ice cream socials for seniors and children.

All interactions at all five drop-off locations were contactless.

Aside from the need to remain six feet apart, the COVID-19 health crisis has brought on an increase in need for a variety of items included in the care kit requests.

McCarty added UWLC will be working with their nonprofit partners to ensure all care kits are provided to Lake County residents in need.

Lake County Treasurer Lorraine M. Fende, who helped other volunteers load kits into vehicles at Mentor Public Library, including employees from Meijer, believes UWLC has weathered the storm as well as any nonprofit.

“This is a great organization and it’s seen its share of challenges,” Fende said, adding she’s been involved with UWLC for a long time over the years as part of the Women United (Leadership Council).

“This donation drive is a good way for us to continue helping the community, and I’m glad we’re able to do so, because, obviously, due to the pandemic, there’s no ‘traditional’ Day of Caring taking place.”

CHAD FELTON — THE NEWS-HERALD Lake County Treasurer Lorraine M. Fende, foreground, left, receives care kits from Meijer employees at Mentor Public Library’s Main Branch on June 24. In lieu of its Annual Day of Caring, UWLC collected various kits at five locations across the county to help those in need.

SUBMITTED A good Samaritan donates $100 to volunteers Nathan Valentine, center, of Lubrizol Corp. and UWLC Emerging Leader Lauren Dannemiller.