Terrie Parenteau, a member of the First United Methodist Church in Whitewater, WI, was awarded the WUL Hometown Hero Award on Wednesday for “For her Dedication of Time, Talent and Treasure with the First United Methodist Church in Making Nutritious, Delicious Meals for the Entire Community during the COVID-19 Crisis and beyond.”

For many years, Terrie has been the lead provider of weekly meals for university students and community members via the church.  Terrie and church members organized Whitewater Responds in March to feed hungry people due to COVID-19. She and her team have provided over 2,000 packaged, homemade meals for all of those in need during the crisis. This includes college students, families, senior citizens, and first-responders.  

One day Terrie Parenteau looked in the mirror and said, “I am not ready to be this old yet, what can I do?” and that is when she began her missions to give back to the community through WeCare and University Free Lunch. When asked why she does this, Terrie responded, “Because I can and I enjoy giving to the community.” She is amazed by the community support! She believes that it takes many people not only in this time of crisis but the years of support when feeding Whitewater.  Terrie is truly an inspiration to the Whitewater community and the many people she has touched.

All who would like to donate to this program are welcome to mail donations to the First United Methodist Church, 145 S. Prairie St., and state that they would like to donate to this cause.

WUL (Whitewater Unites Lives) is a locally-focused civil and human rights group that works to connect the people in our community and to create opportunities for all people to learn and support each other in our common humanity.   

 Anyone who would like to nominate a local hero of any age should send their nomination, with a short description, to whitewaterunites@gmail.com