Community Corner
Leaders United launches mask donation drive for Waukegan Schools
City of Waukegan provides 14,000 masks for students and their families in need
Leaders United, a group of young professionals supporting the work of United Way of Lake County through volunteerism and philanthropy, launched a mask donation drive to support 3,500 Waukegan Public School students and families in need amid COVID-19 outbreak. The group has focused primarily on service projects in the schools, including an early morning mentoring program at Robert Abbott Middle School for struggling students to promote confidence in academics, leadership and self-esteem.
Last week, the City of Waukegan contributed 14,000 disposable masks to the effort acquired through the Community Development Block Grant Program. Over the weekend a team of volunteers led by Leaders United and including representatives from United Way of Lake County, Lake County Sheriff’s Office, 19th Judicial Circuit Court, Waukegan Main Street, Waukegan School District 60 and the City came together at City Hall to pack the masks for distribution.
“Our Waukegan Community Development Block Grant Department continues its mission to serve our community by joining with the United Way of Lake County, Leaders United, and Waukegan School District 60 in order to distribute masks to the low-income families of Waukegan students," said Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham. "I appreciate the work of the partner agencies as well as the many volunteers that made this possible. And, we’re not done. We will all continue to do what is necessary in this time of great need to fight the spread of the deadly COVID-19.”
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The masks will be delivered today in conjunction with the district’s mobile meal distribution program to 80 locations throughout Waukegan. Teachers within the district will also benefit from the donation.
“It is amazing to see how many community members stepped up to meet Waukegan’s needs on such short notice and during this time of crisis,” said Carolina Fabian, Family and Community Engagement Coordinator at Waukegan Public Schools. ”Thank you United Way of Lake County and Leaders United for making it happen, and the City of Waukegan for the generous donation.”
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The Leaders United mask donation drive will continue through May 28th. The community can donate unused disposable and homemade masks by placing in the collection bin near the front desk of the Waukegan Police Department, 101 N. West Street in downtown Waukegan. For more information contact Bobbi Selvik, Leaders United Lead, at 847-775-1042 or visit https://211lakecounty.org/images/News/Volunteer_Opportunities.pdf.
ABOUT UNITED WAY OF LAKE COUNTY
United Way of Lake County’s mission is to unite leadership and resources to create lasting change that will improve lives in Lake County, Illinois. United Way recently launched 211, a free, confidential, 24-hour information and referral helpline, providing personalized help guiding individuals and families in Lake County to available health and human services.
Through the support of our partners and supporters, we are transforming communities by delivering programs and services that are timely, effective and scalable, with results we can measure. For more information, visit LIVEUNITEDlakecounty.org.
ABOUT LEADERS UNITED
Leaders United of Lake County is a group of caring young professionals on a mission to encourage philanthropy and volunteerism among their peers. The affinity group within United Way of Lake County provides opportunities to build leadership experiences and impact issues affecting students and families across Lake County. To learn more, visit LIVEUNITEDlakecounty.org/leadersunited.
