In recent weeks assorted donations of supplies and dollars have been made by residents and businesses to organizations caring for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Horizon Bank pledges dollars to United Way
Michigan City-based Horizon Bank donated $14,000 to the United Ways of Lake and Porter counties to support each group’s network of social services.
“Prior to COVID-19, approximately 25% of Lake and Porter counties households were already considered cash-strapped,” said Kim Olesker, president & CEO of United Way of Porter County. “With the recent layoffs and other economic issues COVID-19 has created, we look for those in need of assistance to increase exponentially.”
The donation will support programming to meet immediate needs including providing food, rental and mortgage payment assistance and job placement services, the United Way said.
“United Ways of Lake and Porter counties typically help more than 150 organizations during a normal year,” said Steve Dahlkamp, vice president, senior commercial loan officer at Horizon Bank. “We want to do our part to help as much as we can in the communities we serve in Northwest Indiana.”
Donations benefit Meals on Wheels
Legacy Foundation with the support of the Knight Foundation Fund and the Foundations of East Chicago, and Crown Point Community Foundation recently announced a collective pledge of $15,000 to Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana which provides about 1,200 daily meals to homebound residents in Lake, Porter, Newton, Jasper and Starke counties.
“We recognize that area seniors continue to need wholesome food and community support to stay healthy,” said Carolyn Saxton, president and CEO of the Legacy Foundation. “Supporting Meals on Wheels improves the health and well-being of Lake County.”
South Shore Line offering free rides to frontline medical workers
The South Shore Line recently announced it is offering free rides to medical personnel working on the frontlines of the pandemic. Frontline workers including doctors, nurses, EMTs, paramedics, and other medical personnel will receive ride frees in May and June.
“Many healthcare workers and medical personnel have continued to ride with us to their jobs since the pandemic started,” said Michael Noland, President of South Shore Line. “We not only want to show our appreciation for their ridership but also for the work they are doing in their critical jobs on the frontlines.”
To ride free, medical personnel must present a valid work ID to SSL train personnel that shows they are employed at a hospital, doctor’s office, medical facility, or local fire department. Additionally, any medical personnel who have purchased a paper monthly ticket for May can request a refund by contacting the South Shore Line.
