COVID-19: TOGETHER, WE CAN OVERCOME THIS CRISIS.
Since the emergence of COVID-19, United Way of 1000 Lakes and the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation, in cooperation with other community funders, established the Itasca Area Community Response Fund.
Stuff the Bus: School Supply Drive
Our annual School Supply Drive mobilizes our community to equip students with the tools they need for success. We collect a range of school and classroom supplies – from notebooks and pencils to hand sanitizer and headphones – and work with volunteers to pack supplies into backpacks for students in need. Backpacks are packed with reference to each classroom’s supply list, so that students can go to school with the correct tools.
Throughout the year, parents, teachers, and other caring adults can request a backpack full of supplies for a student – no questions asked. Teachers can also request items for their classroom. In the fall of 2020, the program’s second year, over 100 students were provided with essential school supplies, helping them stay on the path to educational success.
Summer Meals
In the summer of 2020, United Way of 1000 Lakes began a Summer Meal Meet-Ups program in Cohasset and Hill City, which allowed children and youth under the age of 18 to receive free grab-and-go lunch meals twice a week in each location. The program is designed to address food insecurity, which worsens during the summer months when children don’t have school lunch programs to rely on.
Thanks to community partners, a grant from the Community Response Fund, and several generous volunteers, 403 meals were served to school-age children in August.
BONFIRE: TOGETHER, WE CAN IGNITE VOLUNTEER ACTION
United Way launched an online volunteer platform, Bonfire, created to make it easier for volunteers and organizations to connect. Community members looking to get involved can browse opportunities by skill set, location, cause, and more.