On Thursday, September 4, United Way and CHAD (combined Health Agencies Drive) publicly kicked off the community giving campaign in Lincoln and Lancaster County with a breakfast event led by Campaign Chairs, Jeff and Diana Lake, at Embassy Suites. The presentation with the theme, Sowing Hope at Home, encouraged attendees to remember how even small actions can plant seeds of hope for our neighbors while nurturing the existing support structures that offer life-saving services to our neighbors during difficult times.

The next day, Friday, September 5, United Way mobilized community members for Day of Caring, a community wide day of volunteering presented by Black Hills Energy. The event is dedicated to closing gaps and opening opportunities across the Lincoln and Lancaster County community.

“Real leaders don’t stand back and wait for others to lend a helping hand. We jump into action,” says Brandy Johnson, Senior Public Affairs Manager at Black Hills Energy. “Our mission is improving LIFE with energy, and we are proud to help lead this initiative and encourage our neighbors to give back in a way that is meaningful for them.”

Nearly 300 volunteers from 30+ workplaces participated in 28 opportunities with 23 partner organizations across our community.

In addition to weeding, painting, packing, distributing fresh food, and sorting donations, nearly 1,400 books were given to students at three Title I Elementary Schools to boost their learning at home! That is a lot of good being done in Lincoln and Lancaster County!