All the Latest - February 2024

Will You Join Us in our Fight Against Hunger?

United Way of Lake County's 32nd Annual Food Drive & Fundraiser.

Our 32nd Annual Feed Lake County Food Drive and Fundraiser kicks off March 1st, and we implore you to join us in our fight against hunger. In Lake County, 33% of households struggle to afford basic needs.* This sobering statistic highlights the urgency of our mission to alleviate hunger so no child goes to bed hungry and no parent or individual grapples with uncertainty over their next meal.

Let's come together and show our support for those who need it most. Together, we can make a difference.

Give by March 31st to Double the Impact of Your Gift!

By making a gift to our food drive now, the impact of your donation will be doubled thanks to Buyers Products Company in Mentor, who are matching all contributions up to $25,000 in total donations now through March 31, 2024.

Whether you're a local business or individual looking to organize a food drive or contribute to our fundraising efforts, there are numerous ways you can get involved. Read more about how you can make a difference here.

Grocery prices have jumped by 25% since January of 2020*, seriously impacting our friends and neighbors in need, including those who have never struggled with hunger before. The large price hike in food has hit the working poor and middle class the hardest as many do not qualify for federal nutrition programs. If you are in a position to help, please consider making a gift today.

GIVE NOW TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

Agency Partner Spotlight

Lake County Council on Aging (LCCOA)

Take a look at how the funding we help provide to the Council on Aging's Congregate Meal Program is making a difference.

Celebrating the LCCOA's Vital Contributions During National Senior Month

As we age, the importance of maintaining a balanced diet becomes increasingly vital for overall health and well-being, yet an estimated 6.5% of seniors in Northeast Ohio suffer from food insecurity.*

The sustenance they need not only fuels their bodies but also makes a significant contribution to their cognitive function, energy levels, and immune system.

Moreover, providing seniors with a congregate meal setting, where they can enjoy their meals alongside peers, offers more than just sustenance—it helps to combat loneliness and despair.

Many older adults face social isolation, which can lead to feelings of depression and hopelessness. Congregate meals not only provide essential nutrition but also create a sense of community and belonging.

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Sharing a meal fosters connections,

encourages conversation, and cultivates friendships, all of which are crucial for mental and emotional well-being.

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It offers seniors a chance to engage socially, share stories, and build supportive relationships, ultimately enhancing their quality of life.

By prioritizing nutritious meals and facilitating communal dining experiences, we not only nourish the bodies of our seniors but also nurture their spirits.

The Lake County Council on Aging has been serving Lake County's seniors, their families, and caregivers since 1972. They work to enhance the quality of life through education, advocacy, service, and support. Their priority is to help older adults remain in their homes longer, healthier, and more safely.

The LCCOA serves congregate meals at four Lunch Place locations. These include the Madison Senior Center, the Extended Housing Building in Painesville, the Willowick Senior Center, and the Wickliffe Senior Center.

For more information on their Congregate Meal program and Lunch Place locations, click here.

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Thanks to our generous donors, we provided $50,000 in support of the Council on Aging's Congregate Meal Program last year.

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In 2023, a total of 19,020 meals were provided to seniors in need.

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We are proud to count the LCCOA Congregate Meal Program among one of the critical initiatives we support, and are grateful for our generous donors that make this possible.

HELP US HELP OTHERS. PLEASE MAKE A GIFT NOW.

Get Involved!

Upcoming Events, Volunteer Opportunities, and More!

Hurry - Our Donor Appreciation Contest Ends March 1st! Act Now for Your Chance to Win Your Choice of $15,000 or a 2024 Nissan Sentra!

Both Compliments of Mentor Nissan

A minimum $52 donation - just $1 a week - is all it takes to put you in the running to win your choice of $15,000 or a 2024 Nissan Sentra SV while helping the most vulnerable among us. For EVERY $52 donation you make by March 1, 2024, you will be entered for a chance to win! Click here now for complete details along with the additional cash prizes you may also qualify to win!

Click here now to give for your chance to win big!

Celebrity Server Fundraiser - Join the Fun!

Presented by Dworken & Bernstein Thursday, March 14 from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm at the American-Croatian Lodge

Enjoy our St. Patty's Day-themed celebration with plenty of shenanigans and fun including a full corned beef and cabbage lunch with all the fixings, penne pasta marinara, fabulous raffle baskets, a 50/50 raffle & much more! We also have sponsorships available and are looking for prize donations and volunteers. Able to help? Contact Emily Johnston at ejohnston@uwlc.org or at 440.639.1107.

Click here now to register!

Attention 5K Lovers! Register to Join Lake County Treasurer Mike Zuren's Inaugural Race for Charity Sunday, April 14!

All Proceeds will Benefit United Way of Lake County

Take advantage of the early-bird rate when you register to run or walk in this 5K now! The race will be held at 8 am at the Lake County Fairgrounds on Sunday, April 14. The early-bird rate of $30/person is available now through April 1st. Following this, the rate will be $40/person.

32nd Annual Day of Caring

Volunteers and Project Submissions Now Being Accepted

Our 32nd Annual Day of Caring will be held this June (date TBD). We are currently accepting project submissions from Lake County nonprofits for undertakings such as cleaning, sorting, inside and outside painting, weeding, hedge trimming, power washing, mulch spreading, flower planting, social hosting (picnics, ice cream socials, game days, etc) for kids and seniors. We are also looking for volunteers from local organizations, groups, and individuals to select from and "adopt" project submissions.

Interested in submitting a project? Contact David Whittaker at dwhittaker@uwlc.org or call 440.639.1203.

Interested in volunteering? Contact Emily Johnston at ejohnston@uwlc.org or call 440.639.1107.

Small Business United (SBU)

Join the Movement!

Small business owners know that a strong, healthy community is good for business. These same owners also understand the importance of giving back and keeping local dollars local, which is where our Small Business United (SBU) membership comes in. All funds raised in Lake County from this membership, stay in Lake County, helping our local friends and neighbors in need. If you are a small business owner interested in a simple, budget-friendly way to give back, then this may be the program for you!

Learn more about our SBU program now!

GET CONNECTED!

Volunteer Opportunities at UWLC and Other Lake County Nonprofits

Our new GET CONNECTED! initiative serves to bring together individuals eager to make a positive impact with those looking for volunteers. If you are an organization in need of volunteers, we would love to include your listing in our program. Simply reach out to Emily Johnston at ejohnston@uwlc.org, and we will guide you through the steps to get you connected. If you are an individual looking to make a difference, we urge you to also contact Emily to learn about how you can select from a list of online opportunities that align with your interests and schedule.

Learn more about our GET CONNECTED! program here!

VISIT OUR WEBSITE.

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