United Way of La Porte County and the Food Bank of Northern Indiana will be handing out 350 boxes of food to people in need during the “Day of Caring” on Friday, Aug. 23. Food will be distributed from 8 to 10 a.m. in the United Way parking lot at the corner of 4th and Pine Streets in Michigan City.
To date, 215 people have registered to receive food boxes by dialing 2-1-2, United Way’s 24-hour hotline. Those who have preregistered are guaranteed a specific pickup time and do not need to wait in line. Food recipients are coming from the communities of Hanna, Kingsford Heights, La Porte, Michigan City, Mill Creek, Rolling Prairie, Walkerton and Westville.
Dave Sisk, community investment manager for United Way of La Porte County, says another 140 people can be served if they register before Friday through the 2-1-1 phone service.
“Our ‘Day of Caring’ gives United Way and opportunity to serve the community in two ways,” Sisk said. “We know that hunger is a community health issue. No one should have to decide between paying for food and covering other basic necessities."
“The event is also a great opportunity for community volunteers to know they’ve made a direct, immediate impact on those who need help. That’s a really good feeling.”
About 15 volunteers have signed up from PNC Bank, Horizon Bank, 1st Source Bank, UPS, the Housing Authority and the Michigan City Police Department.
Sisk calls hunger “the silent epidemic” because it’s a largely invisible problem that negatively impacts a wide range of people in our community. He said that some 18,500 people in La Porte County receive food stamps and 9,000 children in our school systems qualify for free and reduced food programs.
United Way of La Porte County advances the common good by creating opportunities to build a better life for all. It focused on education, income and health because these are the building blocks of a quality of life. People and organizations across the community are invited to give, advocate and volunteer. That’s what it means to LIVE UNITED – WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER.