Heartland United Way Brings Holiday Joy with Seasonal Programs Supporting Local Families

LISTEN TO AN INTERViEW WITH KAREN RATHKE BELOW

Grand Island, NE – November 25, 2024 – This holiday season, Heartland United Way is bringing the community together to ensure families across Hall, Hamilton, Howard, and Merrick Counties experience the warmth and joy of the holidays. Through a range of impactful programs, Heartland United Way is making the season brighter for children, individuals, families, and seniors in need.

Holiday Programs Overview

1. Holiday Toy Drive & Toys for Tots Distribution
Heartland United Way is teaming up with local businesses, communities, Present Patrol and Toys for Tots to collect and distribute toys to children across the region. Generous community members are encouraged to donate new, unwrapped toys to bring smiles to local kids aged 12 and under. Distribution efforts on December 12th will ensure these gifts reach families who may otherwise go without.

2. Christmas Cheer Food Assistance Program
To help families share holiday meals, Heartland United Way is organizing the Christmas Cheer food assistance program for people in Hall County. This initiative provides grocery gift cards to purchase essential items for a festive meal, ensuring no table is left bare this season. Donations for Christmas Cheer are accepted at all Home Federal Bank locations in Grand Island and at the Heartland United Way.

3. Holiday Adopt-A-Family Program
The Holiday Adopt-A-Family program anonymously pairs generous donors with local families in need, providing them with personalized gifts, clothing, and holiday essentials. Donors can bring hope and joy by creating a memorable holiday experience for families facing financial challenges. Hornady employees are generously providing holiday food boxes for each family.

Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are the heart of these programs. From sorting toys to wrapping gifts, delivering meals, and organizing donations, there are countless ways to get involved and spread holiday cheer. Get connected to volunteer opportunities at Go2Volunteer.org website.

How to Participate

Donate: Toys, food, clothing, or financial contributions to support these programs.
Volunteer: Join the team of holiday helpers making these efforts possible.
Adopt a Family: Provide a meaningful holiday experience for a family in need.
Spread the Word: Share these opportunities with friends, family, and coworkers.
Creating a Brighter Holiday, Together

“At Heartland United Way, the holiday season is a time to come together as a community to lift one another up,” said Karen Rathke, President of Heartland United Way. “Through these programs, we aim to ensure that every child, individual and family feels the magic and joy of the holidays.”

For more information about Heartland United Way’s holiday programs and how you can get involved, visit HeartlandUnitedWay.org or contact Rylee Waters at Rylee@heartlandunitedway.org or 308-382-2675

About Heartland United Way
Heartland United Way is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving lives and strengthening communities in Hall, Hamilton, Howard, and Merrick Counties. Supporting 19 local partner agencies, Heartland United Way focuses on advancing health, youth opportunity, financial security, and community resilience.