TURTLE LAKE, Wis. — Residents in the Turtle Lake area will have an opportunity to support local people experiencing homelessness when NorthLakes Community Clinic hosts a community donation event in October.
The clinic is partnering with the Northwoods Homeless Shelter for a Gather and Give event from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, at the NorthLakes Community Clinic, 730 Swede Ave. The event is sponsored by Molina Healthcare of Wisconsin.
Community members attending the event are encouraged to bring items that can be used by people staying at the shelter. Requested donations include personal care and shower products, feminine hygiene supplies, cleaning products and laundry supplies.
People who cannot make it to the October event will still have an opportunity to contribute. The Turtle Lake clinic will accept donations beginning Sept. 14 during regular clinic hours, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Nikki Liedl, manager of the Turtle Lake clinic, said the event is intended to give residents a simple way to support the shelter while connecting with others in the community.
The Northwoods Homeless Shelter serves people facing homelessness in Polk County and the surrounding area. According to Administrative Director Ginny Ormsby, community donations play an important role in keeping the shelter supplied with everyday necessities, including hygiene products, cleaning supplies and paper goods.
The shelter operates two housing programs. Its emergency shelter provides stays of up to 90 days for individuals and families, while its transitional housing program assists residents dealing with longer-term circumstances that can contribute to homelessness.
For the shelter, the October gathering is also an opportunity to increase awareness of the services it provides and collect supplies that can be put to immediate use by its clients.
The Turtle Lake event is part of NorthLakes Community Clinic’s broader Gather and Give initiative, which is designed to bring community members together in support of local organizations.
Molina Healthcare of Wisconsin is supporting the initiative as part of its focus on community-based efforts and rural health. NorthLakes CEO Ana Tochterman said the program also reflects the clinic’s interest in creating opportunities for people to connect while supporting organizations working in their communities.
Residents interested in participating can attend the Oct. 8 gathering at the Turtle Lake clinic or drop off needed supplies at the clinic beginning Sept. 14 during its regular hours.
