The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Local agencies benefiting from donations
Several local agencies benefiting from steady stream of donations
Just short of a month since United Way of Lake County distributed $20,000worth of food to 40regional pantries.
Just short of a month since United Way of Lake County distributed $20,000 worth of food to 40 regional pantries, the nonprofit continues to significantly impact several local agencies in need of assistance.
Due to fears surrounding the effects of the novel coronavirus, UWLC recently created the Lake County Relief Fund, which has secured thousands of donations from individuals and local businesses alike, and has yet to slow its stride during the current health crisis.
The organization’s first food distribution of the year normally follows the end of its Feed Lake County Food Drive and fundraiser in May.
However, with the current environment, UWLC made the decision to implement an emergency distribution in response to the anticipated need within the community, holding a phone conference to convene with all of its partners in efforts to share information and learn the challenges each are facing.
“A main topic of discussion has been the need for food,” said Jennifer McCarty, UWLC president and CEO. “An influx in need is expected due to children who remain home from school, the mass layoffs and the need to ensure our high-risk elderly are being cared for and fed.”
The nonprofit’s food distributions have consisted of the most requested items by area pantries, including canned chicken, canned fruit, pasta sauce, chicken noodle soup, peanut butter and jelly, Jiffy baking mix, syrup, and apple juice.
“We benefit from economies of scale when making food purchases to help restock the pantries,” McCarty said. “Every ten dollars donated is enough to provide 40 meals.”
Home-delivered grocery program for seniors
Recently, UWLC joined forces with Laketran, Lifeline, Inc., Lake County Council on Aging, RSVP and the Lake County commissioners to provide assistance to the county’s “most vulnerable” population.
“The program is serving 400 to 500 seniors in need,” said Tami Lewis,
UWLC marketing and communications director. “It’s for those 60 years of age and older who live in Lake County and lack the ability to grocery shop or do not have help from someone able to shop for them.”
One bag of pre-selected groceries, valued at approximately $25, is being dropped off by Laketran on the door steps of those who have signed up for a delivery. Deliveries are available twice a per week per individual household.
Project Hope for the Homeless
United Way has also worked to put Lake County Relief funds toward helping the homeless during the COVID-19 outbreak. By assisting with extended hours — in compliance with Ohio’s Stay-at-Home order — refuge from the streets is provided.
Prescription Assistance Program
“The Prescription Assistance Program of Ohio provides free prescriptions to those in need, and the funds we’ve provided are helping the agency meet the increased demand they are facing from Lake
County residents who have lost jobs and health insurance (coverage) during this time,” McCarty said. Lake County Free Clinic The Lake County Relief Fund has also aided the Lake County Free Clinic, helping uninsured and underinsured Lake County residents receive needed medical care, Lewis said.
“The clinic is experiencing a great inflow of need from those who have lost so much in the face of the coronavirus,” she added. “The increase in funds we’ve provided is allowing them to help more of our friends and neighbors as we navigate our way through this devastating health issue.
“We’re grateful to the community for coming together during this time of great need to contribute to our Lake County Relief Fund and we will continue to use the funds on a rolling basis to impact lives through our support of programs working to meet the unprecedented needs of residents during this pandemic.”