November 17, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic and Milwaukee's work-from-home orders have changed a lot about our daily routines in 2020, but neither could stop the MU-MCW BME Administrative Staff from teaming up to help out local Milwaukee youth.  With in-person interaction limited, and the ongoing pandemic negatively impacting child hunger rates in Milwaukee, the Snack Pack Extravaganza offered the perfect opportunity for the BME team to engage in a meaningful volunteer project safely through virtual platforms.

Sponsored by the United Way, the Snack Pack Extravaganza sends nonperishable packs filled with “brain food” such as granola bars and applesauce to Milwaukee youth as a simple way to help them stay energized and let them know their entire community is rooting for them.

“It was a great way to take a brief pause in our work-day hustle to be mindful of our greater community,” says Administrative Associate Denise Ron. “Our department leader, Meg Kaucic, proposed we each purchase snack pack contents on our own, then set a Zoom meeting to share some smiles and a little small talk while we built the packs together in our own safe spaces.”

On Wednesday, November 11, the team met online and worked to put together more than 40 packs for local Milwaukee youth in need. The packs were dropped off at the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee Campus, which led participation efforts in various departments throughout the organization.

To find out more about this exceptional program and learn more about other ways to get involved, visit the United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County.