Lake County Commissioner Morris Beverage III knows the needs in our community firsthand. Listen as he highlights the vital role we play. - Second in a 4-Part Series

United Way of Lake County funded partner, Torchlight Youth Mentoring Alliance, shares the impact of our support on the children they serve.

Urgent Need for Food Assistance in Lake County

A suspension of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits took effect November 1, 2025, and will remain in place until full funding is restored and the federal government shutdown ends. Even a short disruption creates an immediate crisis. In Lake County, a total of 17,141 residents—including 6,200 children and 2,510 seniors - have been impacted.

To prepare for this, we've been convening with our Lake County Hunger Coalition, a collaborative network of local food pantries, community organizations, and service providers that we launched over a year ago. Through regular roundtables with coalition partners, local officials, and others who serve our most vulnerable residents, we've been working to identify the most effective ways to respond to those living with food insecurity.

At United Way of Lake County, we are preparing to help meet the growing demand for food assistance. Apart from the SNAP benefit crisis, the need in our community remains great. Every day more than one-third of Lake County residents face food insecurity—including 25% who go to work each day yet still struggle to put food on the table without government assistance.

How You Can Help

The network of 40 local food pantries we help support relies on food donations from our community to serve those in need. If you or your organization are able, please consider running a food drive or making a donation to help us feed those suffering from hunger now and throughout the holidays and winter months.

To get started, or for materials that include a list of most needed items, contact David Whittaker at dwhittaker@uwlc.org or 440-639-1203. Donations can be dropped off at 9285 Progress Parkway in Mentor, Monday through Thursday, 8:30 am–5:30 pm, or Friday, 8:30 am–Noon.

Prefer to make a monetary donation and let us do the shopping for you? Click here to give.

Together, we can help ensure no one in Lake County goes hungry.

Food Resources

If you or someone you know is struggling with hunger, help is available. A list of FREE fresh food distributions for the month of November can be found here. For information on local food pantries, community meals, food programs for seniors, and more, call 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898211, anytime 24/7. Or, click here to visit our funded-partner, Lifeline, Inc., online for a complete listing of available resources.

Board Member Spotlight

Why United Way of Lake County?

"I’ve been fortunate to have a great big brother — a tremendous role model and mentor throughout my life. He’s the kind of husband, father, and community leader I aspire to be. While United Way Lake County invests in many incredible partner organizations, one stands out to me: Torchlight Youth Mentoring Alliance. UWLC not only funds programs but also connects people like me to volunteer opportunities. That’s how I found Torchlight—and it’s just one of the

reasons I’m proud to support UWLC."

Patrick Mohorcic

Executive Director

Lake Development Authority

"I grew up in a single-parent household, working two jobs to pursue opportunities. Looking back, I wish we had access to the resources United Way Lake County provides today—I know the difference that support makes. That drives my passion to serve. What inspires me most is that UWLC’s impact stays local, uniting organizations, closing gaps in need, and addressing root causes to create lasting change for families right here in our community."

Dr. Kristina Willey

Director of Marketing and Business Development

Griffin Technology Group

4 Under 40 Award Nominations Being Accepted Now Through November 10

Nominate someone fantastic today! Now through November 10, our Emerging Leaders are accepting nominations for their 4 Under 40 Awards. Know a bright young professional between the ages of 21 - 40 who stands out in one or more of the following areas: leadership, community involvement, entrepreneurship, and professional accomplishment?

• Nominate someone here
• Learn more
• See a list of past winners

Holiday Food Drives: Will You Help Feed the Need?


While we accept food donations year-round to help stock our pantry in support of 40 local food banks, we are now preparing to meet increased holiday needs. We invite you or your organization to consider hosting a food drive or making a donation. For materials, including a list of our most needed items, please contact David Whittaker at dwhittaker@uwlc.org or 440-639-1203. Donations may be dropped off at our office, 9285 Progress Parkway, Mentor, Monday through Thursday, 8:30 am–5:30 pm, or Friday, 8:30 am–Noon.

Prefer to make a monetary donation to let us do the shopping for you? Click here to give. We will be sure to purchase the most needed items on your behalf.

Women's Winterfest & Holiday Food Tasting Fundraiser: Sponsors & Raffle Prizes Needed

We are currently in need of sponsors and funds for the purchase of raffle prizes for Women United's largest annual fundraiser on November 20. A list of our sponsorship options can be found here. Should you be willing to donate funds for the purchase of a raffle prize, we will do the shopping for you to purchase popular items we are most in need of - and all who donate are featured on a sign next to each raffle prize! Click here to donate funds for a raffle prize.

Raffles

• Win a One-Week "Sunshine & Sandy Toes" Naples, Florida Getaway - $5,500 Value!

Fewer than 70 Raffle Tickets Remain (Out of 250 Total) = Great Odds of Winning!

Package Includes:

• A 7-Day, 6-Night Stay for up to 6 people in a private vacation home featuring two bedrooms, two full baths, a living room, a dining room, and a kitchen, along with a pool lanai, an inground pool, and a private cabana suite with a full bath that sleeps two.
• Located in Naples, Florida, in the gated community of Moon Lake, which also offers a community pool, tennis, and pickleball courts.
• Just 2.5 miles from Fifth Avenue, Downtown Naples, and beautiful beaches!
• $500 towards airfare will be provided.

Get your raffle ticket now!

• NEW - Another $10K Giveaway compliments of Mentor Nissan!
  Enter now for a chance to win $10,000 while supporting our 2025 campaign to help Lake County residents in need!

2025 Workplace Campaign: Can We Count You In?



One big way to give back is by running a workplace campaign in support of our mission. We start each campaign year with a zero balance and rely on the kindness of our local community to help us help others. All funds raised in Lake County stay in Lake County, helping our own friends and neighbors in need. Interested in running a campaign? Contact Stephanie Devers at sdevers@uwlc.org, call 440-639-1236, or fill out this form, and we'll get everything ready for you!