IT'S GIVING WEEK! YOU CAN MAKE A POSITIVE LOCAL IMPACT.

‘Tis the season for giving and the Giving Week initiative is the perfect time to “give locally.”   In Lake County, one organization that is in dire need of support is Lake Cares Food Pantry.  Donations can help them win a matching grant of up to $10,000 which can feed a lot of struggling families in need.  

The pantry has seen an increase in new families in need of food due to hardships created by COVID-19.   Last March, Lake Cares distributed 56,000 pounds of food to families, including 43 new families.   In October, food distribution climbed to 91,000 pounds, including 120 new  families and the need continues to rapidly increase, according to Ruthie Haffner, Director of Development at Lake Cares. 

During Giving Week, there are three easy ways people can help bridge the local hunger gap in Lake County by supporting Lake Cares Food Pantry.
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1. DONATE FOOD
Shelf-stable foods like pasta, pasta sauce, peanut butter, rice, beans and canned vegetables are always needed.  A good strategy is to shop the B.O.G.O. specials at your local grocery store.   Here's more information on donating food to the pantry.

2. DONATE MONEY
Lake Cares’ Holiday Campaign makes it possible to provide complete holiday meals to 700 families, which is 200 more than last year.  A $50 donation will feed a family of four.

In addition to food costs, monetary donations can also help cover operational costs to keep the Pantry's lights on.  You can donate on-line at LakeCares.org or mail a check to:  Lake Cares, 2001 W. Old Highway 441, Suite 1, Mount Dora FL  32757 or call 352-383-0100.

3. VOLUNTEER
There are plenty of ways to volunteer at Lake Cares. Just visit the website to learn more.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month, click here.  Discover the area's online event calendar here. Also download the area's free mobile app.