The NorthLakes Community Clinic 100 Who Care Sawyer County concluded its third collective giving event of the year, showcasing the transformative impact of community-driven philanthropy. This grassroots initiative brings together members who pool resources, assess local needs, and collectively decide on funding recipients. The membership selected the Hayward Community Food Shelf to receive $10,000 in the Social Services category.
The Hayward Community Food Shelf will direct these funds toward their Food for Kids program, which provides weekend food bags for students throughout the school year and monthly food boxes during summer months. The program serves five local schools: Hayward Public Schools, Northern Waters Environmental Charter School, St. Francis School, LCO Schools, and Northern Lights Christian Academy. With participation increasing 16% in 2024 and another 11% rise in the first five months of 2025, the program distributed an average of 210 bags weekly, totaling 6,536 bags in 2024. Rising food costs and increased demand have pushed program expenses to over $50,000 annually, with projections reaching $58,275 for 2025.
The Hayward Community Food Shelf operates with an unwavering mission “to provide food for those in need in an efficient, compassionate, and non-judgmental manner.” As a non-discriminatory organization dedicated to reducing food insecurity in Sawyer County, HCFS is entirely volunteer-operated and funded solely through donations.
The event also recognized two other worthy organizations: Stone Lake Food Shelf and Regional Hospice Services & Palliative Care, which presented their missions and funding needs to the membership. Many 100 Who Care members extend their generosity beyond the primary recipient, contributing additional support to these finalists.
Community partnerships continue to enhance these giving events, with the Hayward Area Rotary Club providing food and the Steakhouse & Lodge donating their spacious venue. The 100 Who Care chapters, founded and hosted by NorthLakes Community Clinic, follow the national 100 Who Care Alliance movement model. This concludes the 2025 giving rounds, which included arts, literacy, and museums (May) and environment, animals, garden, and recreation (July).
For more information about future giving opportunities, please contact Madelaine Rekemeyer at mrekemeyer@nlccwi.org.
Photo: Hayward Community Food Shelf representatives and Chief Community Officer Reba Rice presenting the NorthLakes 100 Who Care Sawyer County collective funds.
