28 Apr

April 2020 e-Newsletter

by Lauren SchwabeCategories: News, Newsletter

Thank You to Our Wonderful Volunteers!

April 19-25 is National Volunteer Week. At United Way of Lake County, we appreciate our volunteers all year long, but this is an opportunity to let every one of you know that the time you choose to spend helping others in the community is truly inspirational. Our work is simply not possible without our volunteers and we are truly grateful for the dedication, time and the talent of people, like you.

From all of us at United Way of Lake County, thank you for all you do!

If you are looking for ways to help our community during this time of great need, review our list of volunteer opportunities by clicking below.

Kendra Scott Gives Back Event

Want to shop online while supporting children’s education in Lake County? You can do just that during Women United’s virtual Kendra Scott Gives Back event. All funds raised by Women United will support early literacy programs in Lake County.

On April 23 and 24, visit KENDRASCOTT.COM using code “GIVEBACK7146” at check out and 20% of your purchase will support Women United. Be the first to shop Kendra Scott’s NEW Spring collection while supporting an amazing cause! RSVP at the link below to receive an email reminder when the event is live.

Respond to the 2020 Census Today

The 2020 Census is happening now! Answer 10 questions and help bring a decade of funding to Lake County for roads, schools, healthcare and much more. It’s easy, confidential and important. You can respond online at my2020census.gov, by phone at (844) 330-2020, or by mail.

If you need help responding or have questions, call 211 or text your zip code to 898211. You can also contact United Way of Lake County at (847) 775-1000.

Help spread the word about the importance of the census by sharing our post on Facebook.

Reading Success Celebration Continues

In honor of Reading Success’ 10-year anniversary, we interviewed tutors and teachers from three different schools that have seen the great impact of this program. In our last two newsletters, we highlighted North Elementary and Clark Elementary in Waukegan.

Next up is Clearview Elementary. At Clearview, we spoke with volunteer tutor Linda Rambo and third grade teacher Ms. Lewis. Read their first-hand accounts of how Reading Success has helped students develop strong reading skills and improve reading performance so they can be on track to succeed in school.

Internship Opportunity: 211 and Community Impact

We are looking to hire a “211 and Community Impact Initiative Intern” for Fall 2020 through Spring 2021. This intern will participate in planning activities and implementation of the 211 Program, including:

Development of plans and related materials for community engagement.
Working with community stakeholders to create partnerships that support the further integration of 211 into community agencies and groups.
Attending community events to conduct outreach to individuals on United Way programs.
Assist in the data collection, analysis and dissemination of outcomes measurements.
Assisting in research on best practices to guide development of strategic plans and assessments for the initiative.

Review the full internship description by clicking the button below.

Interested? Apply by submitting your resume to Robert Szarzynski, HR Director, at Robert.Szarzynski@uwlakeco.org.

Lake County’s COVID-19 Community Response Fund

On March 20, we established the Lake County COVID-19 Community Response Fund to support local nonprofit organizations serving Lake County’s most vulnerable neighbors.

Since launching, a total of $213,262 from the fund has been granted swiftly back into the community to 14 local nonprofits so they can continue their work providing resources for Lake County’s most at-risk children and families. Additional grants will be awarded on a rolling basis to quickly respond to urgent and evolving needs, as funds are available.

Donations of any amount will make an immediate impact on critical needs in Lake County. With new tax advantages for donating to charities, there is no better time to give generously than now. (See CARES Act article below for more information.) United Way covers all administrative costs so that 100% of donations go directly to recipient agencies.

We are so grateful to the hundreds of individuals and organizations who have donated! If you’d like to make a gift in support of the fund, please click below.

We Are Here For You!

While our offices remain closed temporarily, we are working harder than ever to help support our community during this crisis. Our staff are working remotely and can be reached at (847) 775-1000.

If you need assistance finding food, shelter, rent or utility assistance, or other essential services, CALL 211 or TEXT your zip code to 898211 to speak with someone who can guide you to available resources. 211 is open to everyone in Lake County, 24/7. You can also visit 211LakeCounty.org.

We’re proud to share one of our new 30-second ads for 211. Watch it below. Want to share it on Facebook? Click here.

Questions about COVID-19?

Here’s where you can get accurate, reliable and up-to-date information:

Visit the Lake County Health Department website for local updates and to sign up for email alerts.
To receive information about coronavirus via text message, text “COVID19” to 211211.

CARES Act Includes Charitable Giving Tax Break for Donors

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was enacted on March 27, 2020. The CARES Act includes added financial incentives for community members who want to make donations in support of local efforts to combat the near- and long-term effects of the pandemic. A universal tax break for charitable donations was included in the stimulus package and will go into effect for the 2020 tax year.

Donors who take the standard deduction may also take an “above-the-line” deduction for up to $300 in charitable donations given in 2020. This effectively allows a limited charitable deduction to taxpayers claiming the standard deduction. For example, if you take the standard deduction and give $300 to charity, you will get a $300 tax break in addition to the standard deduction.
For donors who itemize deductions, the limit on charitable deductions – generally 60% of modified adjusted gross income – doesn’t apply to qualifying cash contributions to public charities in 2020; instead the CARES Act allows taxpayers to claim a tax deduction of up to 100% of your Adjusted Gross Income for contributions to qualifying charities.
For corporate donors, the limitation on charitable deductions, which is generally 10% of modified taxable income, doesn’t apply to qualifying contributions made in 2020. The new law temporarily lifts the limit from 10% to 25% of modified taxable income for 2020 filings.

Please consult your accountant or tax preparer for more information about these changes, and how they can help you help others during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Stay Home Save Lives

The Lake County Health Department has developed the #StayHomeSaveLives public health education campaign to help our community understand COVID-19 and the importance of social distancing. View their first video below. Check out their Facebook page for more helpful information.

26 Apr

Super Volunteers 2018

by Jennifer StromCategories: News

During National Volunteer Week (April 15-21), United Way of Lake County recognized four #SUPERvolunteers that have selflessly dedicated their time to furthering our mission of creating lasting change in Lake County. Keep reading to meet each of our SUPER Volunteers and learn about their connection with United Way.

OUTSTANDING LONG-TERM VOLUNTEER: MARK ANDERSON

Photo: (Right to left) Mark Anderson, Mark’s current Reading Success student, and Ms. Chang.

Mark Anderson, Ph.D scientist in Oncology at Abbvie, has been volunteering with United Way of Lake County as a Reading Success tutor since 2011. For the last seven years, Mark has been tutoring at North Elementary in Waukegan and the majority of those years have been in Ms. Chang’s classroom.

Mark understands the need in Lake County and, through the Abbott/AbbVie volunteer portal, found the United Way Reading Success opportunity. The impact he makes and the progress he sees with the students he tutors brings him back each year. Mark identifies with United Way of Lake County’s mission that our community becomes stronger when everyone works together.

Watch Mark accept his Outstanding Long-Term Volunteer award:

“I think [reading] is something that can have a strong impact early on in children’s education.”
– Mark Anderson, on why he likes to volunteer around the issue of reading.

OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER: STEVE CARLSON

Steve Carlson is District 7 Commissioner for the Lake County Board. He has volunteered with United Way of Lake County since 2012 as a Board Member for the Lake County Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) where he has helped to review local needs and allocate funding to high capacity agencies proven to align with local efforts to prevent and decrease homelessness and hunger. Steve’s deep commitment to our community is showcased in his many volunteer roles throughout the county, including involvement with the Lake County Health and Community Services Committee, Lake County Forest Preserve, Lake County Board of Health, Lake County Coordinated Transportation Services Committee, and many more.

Watch Steve accept his Outstanding Community Volunteer award:

In 2015, Steve became involved with United Way’s efforts to implement a 2-1-1 system in Lake County after learning about the initiative through his work with EFSP. He has been a determined advocate for 2-1-1 fighting for its implementation and helping to move the initiative forward. Steve has helped United Way to build widespread community support for a 2-1-1 system and has been responsible for bringing numerous community leaders to the table with both organizational and financial support. On behalf of the community, we thank Steve for his time and efforts to help implement 2-1-1!

Watch Steve discuss 2-1-1 with UWLC’s President and CEO, Kristi Long:

OUTSTANDING FUNDRAISING VOLUNTEER GROUP: WOMEN UNITED

Photo: Women United members volunteering at their newest H.U.G.S. partner, Baby Talk in Waukegan.

Women United of Lake County (WU) is comprised of nearly 100 women who dedicate their time, talent and resources to ensure Lake County’s most vulnerable children are prepared for kindergarten and ready to succeed. WU members are committed to growing their self-directed philanthropy fund, Little Kids, Big Futures, through special events including Power of the Purse, and growing their tribe of members. At least half of their membership donation of $1,000 or more goes back to the Little Kids, Big Futures Fund; so the more members, the more impact they are able to make.

Over the past 4 years, their fundraising efforts have been impressive. They have grown the Fund from $26,000 in 2014 to $132,000 in 2018, which is an average increase of 50% year over year and totals $369,000. As a result, between 2014 – 2017, they have funded 32,380 hours of preschool education for 376 low-income children in Lake County.

They look forward to adding to that impact after they make their grants decisions in early May. This powerful network of women is a true gift to United Way of Lake County and the children and families who benefit from their efforts.

Watch Patrice Maloney-Knauff, WU Chair, accept the Outstanding Fundraising Volunteer Group award on Women United’s behalf:

OUTSTANDING CORPORATE PARTNER: SNAP-ON CREDIT

Photo: Last June, Snap-On Credit employees spent their day repainting an early learning trail at Carman-Buckner Elementary School in Waukegan.

Snap-On employees have embraced our mission by generously donating both their time and money. They have supported our special events, acting as a sponsor for our Premier Leadership fundraising event since 2015. Snap-On also participates in volunteer engagement opportunities throughout the year. Thank you for being a wonderful partner and a leader in the community!

Watch Joe Burger, President of Snap-On Credit, accept the Outstanding Corporate Partner award on the company’s behalf:

Tag: Lake County Government