Annual Medline donation supports United Way of Lake County’s education programs

Medline Service Corps aids in mentoring and other community efforts

By Medline Newsroom Staff | March 23, 2022

Medline continues to support the communities where its employees live and work. Most recently, Medline provided its annual donation to United Way of Lake County (UWLC), supporting the communities near the company’s corporate headquarters in Northfield, Illinois. The funding will support UWLC’s education programs, which help ensure that children are ready for their first day of school, build literacy so students can meet grade-level reading requirements, assist in overcoming barriers to high school graduation, and promote college readiness.

“United Way of Lake County has a tremendous impact on our community and their vision for the future of Lake County continues to inspire Medline and its employees,” said Karen Frey, senior philanthropy manager at Medline. “Our annual donation to United Way of Lake County helps to support many vital programs. In addition to the donation, Medline employees volunteer their time, providing additional personal support for these programs.”

UWLC works to tackle the toughest challenges facing communities and to support the most vulnerable residents by driving measurable, long-term impact in the areas of education and basic needs. Serving the Lake County community for 75 years, UWLC has adapted to meet the community’s changing needs. For example, when COVID-19 struck, the organization shifted gears and developed new ways to help the most vulnerable residents. This included expanding the Lake County 211 helpline, providing 24/7 guidance to available resources, and launching the Lake County COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund.

“For 75 years, United Way of Lake County has united leadership and resources to create lasting change that has improved and saved lives in our community,” said Quinton Snodgrass, vice president of resource development at United Way of Lake County. “Our partners, including Medline, assist us in expanding our impact and executing our vision. And the additional support of Medline volunteers is equally important, and in some respects, even more impactful. Mentoring youth, for example, can have a great impact on our community’s positive advancement, growth, and development.”

The Medline Service Corps – a group of Medline volunteers who supports nonprofit community programs throughout the U.S. — supports many UWLC initiatives, including:

  1. Leaders United: Medline sponsors young Medline leaders in UWLC’s Leaders United group, which is designed to be a catalyst for change for Lake County youth, enabling long-term growth and professional development. Adding three new members in 2022, the eight Medline mentors will assist in developing young leaders in the community.
    1. Waukegan to College event: Medline Leaders’ volunteers support first-generation high school students from Waukegan, helping them to uncover and showcase their leadership skills.
    2. Breakfast Club: Medline Leaders support this mentoring program in partnership with Robert Abbott Middle School in Waukegan.
    3. Read Across America: Medline Leaders read virtually to students at East Elementary school in Zion, Illinois.
  2. Back to School Drive: Medline employees sorted donations, stuffed backpacks and distributed back to school supplies for 2,000 Waukegan Public School students.
  3. Holiday Wish Lists: Over 20 Medline employees fulfilled community wish lists this past holiday season.
  4. Fall Fest: Medline volunteers collected over four pallets of product, including diapers, paper towels, shampoo, toothbrushes, and toothpaste for A Safe Place.

“Volunteering is one of the greatest ways we have been able to support United Way of Lake County. Medline’s sponsorship of Leaders United is something we are proud of at Medline because it gives young minds within the community guidance and mentorship that can translate into professional development that can enable growth within our community in multiple ways,” Frey continued.

Learn more about how Medline supports the communities where employees live and work.
Learn more about the United Way of Lake County

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Categories: Company News, Social Responsibility

Medline Newsroom Staff

Medline Newsroom Staff

Medline's newsroom staff researches and reports on the latest news and trends in healthcare.

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