First St. Paul’s is honored to give funds gathered from this year’s Ice Cream Social to Bryan Dulitz and the United Way COVID relief fund. On January 20, 2020, Bryan suffered a hemorrhagic stroke, causing him to be life-flighted to UNMC in Omaha where he received emergency medical treatment. Bryan spent a week at UNMC before returning to Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital in Hastings. He spent a month receiving physical, occupational, and speech therapy in hopes of being able to return home and begin outpatient therapy. Once home, Bryan began his outpatient therapy and is getting  stronger everyday. However, Bryan is still unable to work and the Dulitz family has accrued many additional medical expenses as well as their monthly bills. Your generous donations would greatly aid in relieving some of the financial stress on the Dulitz family.

During times of uncertainty and crisis, people come together to support one another. COVID-19 is a test of our collective strength. As millions are on lockdown and businesses are closing, unemployment is spiking. Feeding the kids, making the rent and keeping the lights on is tougher for many of us than ever before. United Way Worldwide’s COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund supports communities by helping local United Ways respond, and by ensuring people get accurate information. 211, the go-to information resource in the U.S., is fielding 200-400% more calls than normal, mostly for food, financial assistance and housing. We expect as many calls for help in the next six months as we usually get in a full year. At the same time, community services are strained and unable to meet demand. People are hurting.

** All donations will be split between the two honorees; unless you specify a particular honoree. Matching Funds of $1,000 leach will be provided through Thrivent Choice Dollars.**