The Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber of Commerce (WWLCC) is known for its participation in community events, but now it has a formal committee dedicated to giving back. Chamber Cares began in 2023 and picked up steam when Custom Cleaning and Maintenance of Willoughby came on board to serve as a financial sponsor for the five-person committee, which is made up of the Board of Directors, says Janice Cackowski co-founder of Centry Financial Advisors Inc., and chair of the committee.
From donating resources to volunteering time, chamber members contributed to some of the area’s biggest philanthropic events in 2024. Here are some of the highlights:
• Donations benefiting the St. Noel Church Food Pantry in Willoughby Hills and the Wickliffe Family Resource Center were among the biggest collections drives in early 2024. The food pantry gained 153 pounds of canned goods from the February collection effort, while the resource center, which is known to help anyone in need, stocked up on food and personal items.
• Area residents broke bread with chamber members who volunteered at the Agape Feast at the First Presbyterian Church of Willoughby in July. Volunteers gathered to set up and serve the community meal, which is provided the last Thursday of every month.
• In August, more than 20 volunteers from the chamber and Custom Cleaning participated as “guest” field buddies and worked the concession stand while nearly 300 athletes rounded the bases at the Miracle League field in Eastlake. The baseball diamond is designed for individuals with physical and mental disabilities.
If you are interested in learning more about Chamber Cares, please reach out to info@wwlcchamber.com.
