United Way volunteers provide pandemic meals

More than 40 volunteers from United Way of Northern Ozaukee have delivered more than 615 meals to county families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

United Way Executive Director Barbara Bates-Nelson said a group of volunteers stepped up after she posted the meal program on the Volunteer Ozaukee website in late March.

Volunteers from Mequon, Cedarburg, Grafton, Port Washington, Saukville, Fredonia and other areas made meals on a weekly basis in an effort coordinated by Barbara Bates-Nelson, who also delivered the meals.

“We were thrilled to get such a community wide response to help stock the shelves and refrigerators with care packages of healthy meals,” Bates-Nelson said. “The homemade meals provided comfort during an extremely stressful time.”

The majority of the meals went to Advocates of Ozaukee, which operates a shelter for victims of domestic and sexual violence. St. Vincent de Paul and Family Promise of Ozaukee also received meals on several occasions.

In addition to preparing home-cooked meals, many volunteers donated hand sanitizer, cleaning supplies, diapers, juice, toys and other supplies to families in need.

The meal deliveries ended June 10, but the need persists, Bates-Nelson said. While United Way will still play a role, volunteers with Advocates and the other agencies are expected to take over the program.

“As the agencies open up again, it makes sense for their volunteers to do more of the work,” Bates-Nelson said. “They have access to more volunteers.”

 United Way of Northern Ozaukee will continue to collect donations of food and supply to distribute to local nonprofits. Visit VolunteerOzaukee.org for more information about how to donate.