El Rey donates hand sanitizer to MPD, food to community organization

MILWAUKEE -- El Rey Mexican Products donated on Friday, March 27 hand sanitizer to the Milwaukee Police Department.Officers worked with employees from El Rey on Friday to unload several boxes of the hand sanitizer -- which will be distributed throughout the Milwaukee Police Department.El Rey also made a big delivery for some people in need.

Racine County Sheriff's Office, volunteers make 2K+ masks for those battling COVID-19

RACINE -- A Racine County Sheriff’s Office-led effort to manufacture more personal protective equipment is resulting in the creation of 2,300 additional facemasks that can be used for local first responders, workers at long-term care facilities, and others on the front lines battling the COVID-19 outbreak.Beginning Friday, March 20, the sheriff’s office, with assistance from local volunteers, sewing groups, Sew ‘N Save of Racine, and personnel at the state Ellsworth Correctional Facility and Racine County Jail, began coordinating a large sewing project to produce home-sewn masks.

Free doggy daycare for healthcare workers, 1st responders in Menomonee Falls, Brookfield area

MENOMONEE FALLS -- Brook-Falls Pet Resort & Doggy Day Care is sending out a message of appreciation and concern to the Menomonee Falls/Brookfield and surrounding area healthcare workers and first responders.A news release says in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Pet Resort will offer up to five days of either half or full-day doggy daycare for their furry friends at no charge.Dr.

'We are so grateful:' Companies, organizations contribute to COVID-19 Urgent Needs Fund

MILWAUKEE --  Companies and organizations throughout southeastern Wisconsin responded to the call to support the community by making contributions to the United Way COVID-19 Urgent Needs Fund.Those who made financial or in-kind donations include -- 88Nine Radio Milwaukee, GE Healthcare, HSA Bank, Meijer, Northwestern Mutual, UW Credit Union, We Energies Foundation, and Weyco Group.Donations to the COVID-19 Urgent Needs Fund can be made directly at UnitedWayGMWC.org."I am never surprised, but always humbled at the generosity of our community,” said Amy Lindner, president & CEO of United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County. “When people are in need, our neighbors and friends are always the first to raise their hands and ask us what they can do to help.”“We are so grateful to everyone who is supporting the COVID-19 Urgent Needs Fund.

Ocean Connections to offer free virtual 'field trips' to students online

MILWAUKEE -- Although the Milwaukee County Zoo closed to the public on March 13, Ocean Connections is committed to community outreach -- virtually -- by offering engaging, interactive lessons via Facebook Live for the remainder of the school year.Dedicated to the conservation of marine mammals, Ocean Connections' goal is to provide the best possible environment, training and care for marine animals at the zoo -- like seals and sea lions -- with the focus of educating the public about marine life, environmental protection and conservation.

'Assistance, as well as hope:' Northwestern Mutual donates $1.5M toward COVID-19 relief

MILWAUKEE -- Officials with Northwestern Mutual, through the company's foundation, on Thursday, March 26 announced a donation of more than $1.5 million to support its nonprofit partners nationwide in leading efforts to provide immediate relief in response to the effects of COVID-19.According to a press release, these grants will address the anticipated food and essential supply needs.To support those in need of critical household supplies and food, the company will be donating $1 million to Feeding America for efforts nationwide and an additional $50,000 to Feeding America in the Milwaukee community.Regionally, the release said the company is also providing donations to Dominican Center, Metcalfe Park Community Bridges, Milwaukee Christian Center, Ronald McDonald House Charities Eastern Wisconsin, United Performing Arts Fund and the United Way of Milwaukee and New York City.These funds also include a financial commitment from the foundation to the Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s MKE Responds Fund.Additionally, the release said Northwestern Mutual is expediting its annual grant of $250,000 to the American Red Cross’ Disaster Recovery program which enables relief efforts, including storage, food, shelter, supplies and medical and emotional support.“During this time of uncertainty, our nonprofit community will become an even more critical provider of assistance, as well as hope,” said Eric Christophersen, president, Northwestern Mutual Foundation in the release. “Through our nonprofit partners, who are working tirelessly to respond to the elevated needs of our communities, it is of the utmost importance to us to serve as a resource as we face this unprecedented health crisis together.”To align with Northwestern Mutual’s Childhood Cancer Program, the release said the firm will also contribute to its national childhood cancer research partner, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, to support the expansion of its Travel for Care Fund.

'Pitching in to help:' WCTC donates $100K worth of PPE to agencies dealing with COVID-19

PEWAUKEE -- Waukesha County Technical College officials on Thursday, March 26 announced the donation of thousands of personal protective equipment (PPE) and medical supply items to local and state agencies to protect health care workers during the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak.The College’s School of Protective and Human Services, which includes fire, paramedic and EMS programs, coordinated with the Waukesha County Fire Chiefs Association to provide 14 cases of medical gloves -- thousands of pairs in varying sizes, and 13 canisters of disinfecting and sanitizing wipes.Additionally, the School of Health responded to a request by the Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) for the urgent and growing need for supplies.

Family surprises 10-year-old with drive-by surprise birthday after coronavirus cancels party

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- The coronavirus is now responsible for canceling many events but one California family refused to let it cancel their daughter's birthday party.Victoria Rye was determined to make sure her little girl got a birthday celebration this year even as COVID-19 fears caused people throughout her Bakersfield, California neighborhood to self-isolate.Rye took to social media -- asking the community if they could do a drive-by b-day instead.The response was phenomenal and daughter was all smiles as she waived at friends from her festively decorated yard."When we broke it to her that there was absolutely going to be no party she did cry, she was upset," said Rye. "We actually had all the decorations, we've hid everything from her, she thinks she's probably in trouble."A huge line of cars went by Ada's house.