Since 1983, the Journal Star has asked local human services agencies to share stories of real people with real needs as part of its Thanks for Giving project — and readers have stepped up every year.
Take a moment and think about neighbors who may be struggling to cover basic needs as we head for the holidays. Then contact the agencies listed if you can help.
Contact Courtney at 402-434-5529 or email Courtney@l-housing.com
Sasha is a single mother of three girls and two boys, ages 3 through 14. Having completed schooling, she has worked hard to pay off student debt in hopes of becoming financially stable, but funds have been tight. She works full time. She says that even though it’s not always easy, she wouldn’t trade being a mother for the world. She would appreciate receiving socks, hats, gloves, and/or toiletries.
Fresh Start is working to remodel 6433 Havelock Ave., which houses the Daisy, a thrift clothing store, and its offices. A funding campaign that began quietly in 2020 has raised about $1,274,000 of its $1.5 million goal.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal StarContact Meg at Fresh Start at 402-475-7777 or megd@freshstarthome.org
Amy came to Fresh Start after leaving a domestic violence situation. She is rebuilding her life and recently started a full-time job. She would like gas cards to help her get to work. Amy loves cooking and would like a new set of pans and baking sheets for when she moves out of Fresh Start.
Contact Yaquelin Cisneros at yaquelin@voicesofhopelincoln.org
Laura, 32, and her four young children relocated to Lincoln after fleeing from sexual abuse. Laura does not have a support system in Lincoln. She spent her savings on relocating and is worried about providing Christmas gifts for her children. She needs store gift cards to buy gifts for her children along with gas gift cards to help stretch her paychecks as much as possible.
Contact Mandy Suing at 402-437-8815 or asuing@cedarskids.org.
Logan, 20, is experiencing homelessness and has had to couch-surf at friends’ houses just to have a safe place to spend the night. He had a difficult childhood, but he did maintain a small group of close friends who have supported him. Logan is also a father to a young daughter, but due to his homelessness, he does not get to spend as much time with her as he would like. Cedars has helped Logan find a safe place that will allow for his daughter to come stay with him at times. He would be grateful for cooking utensils, dishes, athletic clothing (adult size L or XL), and gift cards to Walmart and Best Buy.
Contact Stacie at 402-477-3951 extension 106 or development@thebridgenebraska.org
Andrew, 35, is a resilient soul battling addiction with unwavering determination. His path has been marked by struggles, but his strength in seeking recovery is truly inspiring. As he rebuilds his life, having access to clean, comfortable clothes can boost his self-esteem and help him take one more step toward his recovery. Andrew is a size XL and can use a new wardrobe including a winter coat, shirts, hoodie, pants, socks and underwear.
Contact Suzy Thompson at 402-475-7666 or sthompson@hopespoke.org
Alex, 5, sees a HopeSpoke mental health therapist at his elementary school. Mom works to care for Alex and his three older sisters, but the family can’t afford many basic needs; at school, Alex often reports that he didn’t have dinner the night before. Clothes (size 4T-5T, shoes size 12) and toys would brighten Alex’s holidays. He likes dinosaurs, Spiderman, cars, and books. The family also could use gift cards to Walmart for food, clothes, and to buy holiday gifts for his siblings. Contact HopeSpoke for specific needs for Alex’s mom and sisters.
Contact Karen French at 402-477-8854 or at karen.french@belmontcommunitycenter.org
The Dredge family has spent a third of this year in and out of hospitals supporting their 4-year-old son who has a rare spinal condition. This family of five is in constant motion with two working parents, their 6- and 4-year-old sons, and a daughter, nearly 2. They spend a lot of time traveling to and from health care appointments for their son. Gift cards to Target, Walmart, grocery stores, or gas stations would help meet their needs and prepare for the holidays. Gift cards to restaurants or family-fun activities are also welcome as a way for them to spend quality family time.
Contact Leanne Pelser at Leanne.Pelser@MTKO.org or 402-817-0163
Mary became a regular dining room guest after falling on hard times. She and her 10-year-old daughter recently moved into a new home. Money is short for the holidays. Mary’s daughter doesn’t want to ask for anything for Christmas so as to not burden her mom, but she could use black or navy-blue leggings for school (size 14) and a pair of crocs (women’s size 6). An art lover, Mary’s daughter could use a three-tiered rolling cart to hold art supplies. Mary’s daughter loves the Makit Takit Craft Studio. A gift certificate there would provide great quality time for both mother and daughter. Mary’s daughter also likes to play with makeup and have a spa day with her mom at home. Mary would be grateful for any gifts for her daughter for the holidays to make their first Christmas in their new home a merry one.
Lila, 31, is a single mother of four children — two boys, ages 2 and 11; and two girls, ages 8 and 6. She recently left her husband because of an abusive relationship. She is trying to find a new place to live and will need household essentials such as bedding/ linens, kitchen supplies, and towels. The family could use gift cards to help with this process. Please call or text Amity at LLCHD, 402-310-9145.
Christy is a single mother of a child who has developmental delays. She has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer and needs gas cards to get to and from her appointments. She also could use some help with Christmas for her son. She is currently not working, and faces extra expenses that her medical condition is requiring. Gift cards to purchase groceries and gas will be appreciated. Please call Amity at 402-441-5640 or text 402-310-9145.
Contact Rose Hood-Buss at 402-471-8526 and rose@hublincoln.org or Lindsey Drake at ldrake@hublincoln.org
Becky, 18, is a high school senior who is graduating a semester early and will be attending Southeast Community College in the spring. She has been supporting herself by working while also attending high school. She does not have family in the state and comes from a non-traditional support system. She lives with her sister, but will be required to move before the holidays. She would like some things to make her new place a home, clothing items and some hygiene products. Lotion, socks (small or medium) sweatpants (medium or large; preferably gray, black, or neutral colors), feminine hygiene products, a blanket, and school supplies (notebooks, colored highlighters, pens).
Shannon, 69, has multiple health conditions that limit her mobility. She needs an electric wheelchair to get around, but her insurance will not cover the full cost. Any donation would be appreciated. Contact Maggie at 402-441-7052 or mschumacher@lincoln.ne.gov
Mattie, 70, has breast cancer and several other chronic diseases. Living on a fixed income in west Lincoln, she must travel to medical appointments and to pick up prescriptions, driving an old car that has avoided major repairs. The air-conditioner broke this spring, so she drove all summer without it. She received some Casey’s gas cards from the American Cancer Society. Now that the seasons are changing, Mattie seeks donations to have her car heater/air conditioner fixed so she will be able to stay warm in the colder weather. Contact Velvet at 402-441-6109 or vhoskins@lincoln.ne.gov
Contact Patty Lang at 402-327-6229 or plang@csshope.org or Mike Fitzgerald at 402-327-6203 or mfitzgerald@csshope.org
Man, 36, a self-employed vending machine supplier, became severely ill this summer due to an autoimmune disorder. It caused antibodies to attack his kidneys, resulting in missed work and a loss of clients. He is still severely ill, but is attempting to work as much as he can. Doctors say it will be months before he might start to recover. His wife is disabled due to fibromyalgia. They have five children (ages 13, 9, 9, 8 and 3). Gift cards to Walmart and Target would help them prepare for the holidays, in addition to gift cards to restaurants or family-fun activities.
The CenterPointe Campus for Health and WellBeing recently completed a $27 million renovation. The modern community-focused space is built for a wide range of mental health services.Â
JUSTIN WAN, Journal StarContact Bailey Wood at 402-475-8718 ext. 133 or bwood@centerpointe.org
The CenterPointe street outreach team met Joe, 65, and Anna, 63, in September, after being dispatched by the Lincoln Police Department. They and their kitten, Grover, were living out of their RV after Joe had been discharged from the hospital for treatment of a mild heart attack. They were out of gas and food. CenterPointe was able to help meet these immediate needs, but they also need adult-sized coats, hats, gloves, handwarmers and socks.
Contact Whitney at 402-434-0167 or whitneyw@friendshiphome.org
Carla, 34, is a single mom who has spent the last six months living in a state of fear because of her former partner’s stalking tactics. She and her son, William, 7, recently moved into Friendship Home’s emergency shelter after her abuser broke into her apartment while she was at work and destroyed all of their items. Thankfully, Carla and William found clothing and daily necessities at Friendship Home’s boutique. However, they need twin and full sheet/comforter sets and bath towels. William's favorite color is green, and he loves superheroes. Carla enjoys reading her weekly book while she is relaxing.
Bryan Health
GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star file photoContact Bryan Foundation at 402-481-8605 or BryanFoundation@BryanHealth.org
Jennifer is a teacher who has dedicated her life to children and helping others. Earlier this year, a cancer diagnosis and treatment used all her sick and disability time. Recently, she was diagnosed with a secondary cancer and is receiving chemotherapy. She is currently not able to work and has no income. Gift cards for gas, groceries or help with bills would help get her through this tough time.
A California man was arrested on I-80 near York after 100 pounds of marijuana was discovered during a traffic stop.
With the 2024 Nebraska primary less than six months away, several more people have thrown their hats in the ring as candidates for the Nebraska Legislature.
The Nebraska Music Education Association held their annual All State Conference performance where hundreds of the top high school music students from across the state gathered together.
Police are investigating the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old from Council Bluffs Friday night in South Omaha as a homicide.Â
An 18-year-old Grand Island man died in a single-vehicle accident west of Grand Island. He was one of five passengers.Â
Lincoln's St. Elizabeth Burn and Wound Unit saved Glenda Bourek's leg, allowing her to return to her farm. Decades later, Bourek left her entire estate to the burn center.
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