Star Journal Report

The Northwoods United Way COVID-19 Response Fund donated $1,000 to Forward Service Corporation for purchase of a laptop for clients to use when searching for jobs or completing skills testing.

“The Northwoods United Way established this fund through community foundations and a grant in the spring of 2020 to respond to the disruption that this virus has created in our communities,” said Executive Director Nancy Sattler. “Agencies have had to change how they work to meet the needs of their clients. In addition, many of our community members are facing financial uncertainty due to layoffs and job loss. We are happy to provide a tool that will help them conduct their job search.”

W-2 program case manager Lori Hallas said the donation comes at a good time.

“We have so many opportunities to offer our participants that are free and provide them with job readiness skills to secure employment. Unfortunately, they need to have use of a computer,” Hallas said.

The Northwoods United Way COVID-19 Response Fund has given out over $10,000 to area agencies since May. In addition, the fund was used to purchase 15,000 facemasks that were distributed to community members in Oneida, Vilas and Forest counties.

Anyone wishing to donate to the fund can send a check made out to Northwoods United Way to P.O. Box 177, Rhinelander, WI 54501. Donations may also be made using a credit card at northwoodsunitedway.org. Indicate COVID-19 fund in the comments for either payment form. For more information, call Sattler at 715-202-3344 or email [email protected].