Women United donates 450 gallons of hand sanitizer to schools, nonprofits

GURNEE – United Way of Lake County’s Women United recently donated 450 gallons of hand sanitizer to Waukegan Public Schools and several local nonprofits serving those struggling with basic needs during the COVID-19 crisis.

After receiving an anonymous donation of nine 50-gallon drums of hand sanitizer, Women United quickly mobilized a team of volunteers to pour, cap, label, box and deliver nearly two tons of hand sanitizer. United Conveyor Corporation provided warehouse space, expertise and equipment to aid in the effort.

“We are pleased to mobilize our membership for this project that gets hard-to-find hand sanitizer in the hands of Lake County nonprofits and residents,” said Diana Nielander, manager of Women United. “As a result, Northern Illinois Food Bank, Catholic Charities, Waukegan Public Schools, ElderCare and others have hand sanitizer to use while delivering critical programs and can offer it to their clients. We are very proud to be able to serve in this way.”

“Our food distribution staff have sorted and delivered more than half a million meals to date,” said Carolina Fabian, family and community engagement coordinator for Waukegan Public Schools. “These are our front-line workers who must deliver meals twice a week. Because they are so exposed, there is great importance on hand sanitizing. The extra hand sanitizer is an added measure to keep everyone healthy. We are extremely grateful Women United thought of us and shared a limited resource in this great time of need.”