Lake County Recognizes February 11 as 211 Day

In special recognition of our 211 helpline, the Lake County Board proclaimed February 11 as “211 Day” in Lake County, Illinois. We are grateful to Lake County government for their partnership and generous support of our 211 service, as well as the many partners and individuals who have contributed to help make 211 a reality for our community.

211 has already made a tremendous impact, making more than 125,000 connections to essential health and human services. 211 Day is a wonderful opportunity to continue to raise awareness of this vital service to improve and save lives here in Lake County.

Watch below as Deanna Olmem, Manager of 211, shares remarks about 211 in Lake County, followed by Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart reading the special recognition of 211.

Commemorating MLK with Virtual Reading Event

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Great Lakes Credit Union (GLCU) partnered with United Way of Lake County (UWLC) to host a reading event with West Elementary in Zion. Approximately 300 children from third through fifth grades took part in the readings. Both English and Spanish-speaking volunteers read books to the students that highlighted MLK’s work on equity, diversity and civil rights.

“We understand that during this difficult time not all students have easy access to books at home,” said Abraham Santiago, Senior Manager of Community and Financial Education programs at GLCU. “Through our partnership with UWLC, we were excited to not only read to the children virtually in the classroom, but to also send them home with a book they can read with their families so they can continue to learn and grow.”

By partnering with UWLC, GLCU safely served the community and provided literacy support to young students despite the pandemic. We are thankful for GLCU’s partnership as we continue to make an impact on the lives of so many children in our community.

Interested in partnering with us to host a volunteer project with your organization? Contact Bobbi.Selvik@uwlakeco.org.

Read Across America Book Drive

During the month of February, we have partnered with the 19th Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois, the Lake County Bar Association and the Association of Women Attorneys of Lake County to conduct a book drive that aims to increase local elementary school children’s access to books promoting a positive equity message. Join us in helping put books by diverse authors featuring diverse characters into the hands of eager, young readers in our community.

One way you can get involved is by purchasing new books from our wish list and dropping them off at any of the four designated locations, Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Alternatively, you can make an online gift and we will purchase books on your behalf.

Abbott Spreads Some Love with Valentine Project

Earlier this month, we coordinated a project with Abbott where volunteers created beautiful Valentine’s Day cards to share with seniors living in long-term care facilities in Lake County. Thank you Abbott volunteers for taking the time to create so many cheerful, encouraging cards that will certainly bring joy during these cold, wintery days.

Interested in partnering with us to host a volunteer project with your organization? Contact Bobbi.Selvik@uwlakeco.org.

A Conversation with Community-Minded Business Owners

Join Leaders United virtually on February 23 for a conversation with the owners of Drip & Culture in Waukegan, Adam Carson and Nydia Gonzalez, to learn how this socially minded and minority-owned business is creating change in the Lake County community.

To reserve your spot, please contact Bobbi.Selvik@uwlakeco.org.

We’re Hiring: Donor Relations Specialist

We are looking to fill our Donor Relations Specialist position. If you know of anyone who might be a good fit, please share this opportunity with them.

Brief description: The Donor Relations Specialist provides support to Resource Development staff and their efforts to maintain and build relationships with donors to meet the organizational goal of deepened donor relationships.