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Winners named in first ever Heartland United Way $50k Giveaway

skirkley — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 19:58:12 +0000

Winners named in first ever Heartland United Way $50k Giveaway

skirkley Tue, 12/16/2025 - 1:58pm

GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA (December 16, 2025) Donors called the Heartland United Way an “easy yes” as three of them took home a cash prize Tuesday during the first-ever $50k Giveaway.

Campaign Chairs Kent and Tonja Brown generously donated the prize money hoping to spark excitement to believe in the magic of giving. It’s the magic that comes from people in Hall, Hamilton, Howard and Merrick Counties uniting with their dollars and their time.

“We grew up here in Grand Island. We both did. So, we are part of this community. It’s part of us and that makes things like this an easy ‘yes,’” said Tonja.

Three winners benefited from that “yes.” Janis Alkire, Credit Management Services, was the $5,000 winner. Maritza Navas Salazar, Amur, took home $15,000 and Paul McKinney, Eakes Office Solutions, was the top $30,000 winner.

Those who donated at least $312, or $6 a week, could enter to win one of 25 silver bells. Those bell winners were then eligible for cash prizes.

The final bell was drawn by Brian Gallagher dressed as Santa at the Tuesday event. Tom Pirnie was selected as the first name drawn who was present.

Every year gifts like this turn into opportunities for kids, financial security for families, and healthier communities through the Heartland United Way annual campaign. Seventy-nine local businesses held workplace campaigns this year.

“We help children thrive. We help heal. We give people hope. We feed people. There are so many ways that your one gift and your one way of supporting the Heartland United Way makes a huge difference so thank you thank you thank you,” said Heartland United way President and CPO Karen Rathke.

“I know a lot of people personally that have been offered help by all the organizations that United [Way] helps so it’s just near and dear to my heart because I know how positively that has effected the people I know personally,” said Navas Salazar.

“The United Way does such good work in our communities. They work with so many organizations that improve the lives of families and kids and it’s just one of those things that you just can’t say, ‘no’ to,” said McKinney.

The annual campaign helps fund Heartland United Way programs as well as programs for 20 partner agencies.
“Getting to see the day to day workings of these agencies and what they can do for our communities is just it’s not only something special but it’s humbling to know the hours that they put in, the labor of love that they put in and that reached me actually a long time ago but even more so being on the board,” said Kent. “United is the way and every hour of time volunteered, every dollar donated, every voice advocating for people and families here in our community helps strengthen our community and that’s really reaches our heart.”

The Browns thanked a team that united around them to help encourage donations.

A $30,000 match from Edward Jones Grand Island & Edward Jones Aurora for those donating $500 or more for the first time or increasing their gift over $500 turned into $127,682.89.

Tom and Sue Pirnie pledged an additional $1,000 for every new Alexis de Tocqueville Society member who gives $10,000 or more to the Heartland United Way. Two new donors joined this group.

The Browns also enlisted a group of volunteers who encouraged others in their field to get involved alongside them. Tom & Sue Pirnie, Andy Marsh, Zach Butz, Todd Price, Hannah Fair, Jerad Knott, Courteney Wardyn, Dr. Chad Hudnall, Dr. Chris Waters, Dr. Kavir Saxena, Joe and Jan Cook, & Bruce & Judy Smith all served as Division Chairs.

Heartland United Way Board members announced a campaign total of $1,733,587. The Browns said they’re not done yet and encouraged people to give through the end of the year. You can give by going to heartlandunitedway.org/donate or visiting the Heartland United Way office at 1441 N. Webb Road in Grand Island.

A huge thank you to Hy-Vee for providing refreshments, Devo K-9 Klean Up for sponsoring our entertainment - Hastings Symphony String Quartet - and to Raising Nebraska and Sure Sound & Lighting for the venue as well as sound and screens.

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WINNERS ANNOUNCED

skirkley — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 18:07:40 +0000

WINNERS ANNOUNCED skirkley Fri, 09/19/2025 - 1:07pm

Hundreds believed in the magic of giving. 3 won a cash prize.

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Holiday Help

skirkley — Wed, 07 May 2025 19:29:31 +0000

Holiday Help

skirkley Wed, 05/07/2025 - 2:29pm

During the holiday season, Heartland United Way provides necessities, gift items, and food vouchers to individuals and families experiencing extraordinary needs through three programs – Holiday Toy Program, Holiday Adopt a Family Program, & Christmas Cheer. The Heartland United Way works closely with our community, local school social workers, United Way community partners, and the U.S. Marine Corps & their Toys for Tots program to make these programs possible.

Want to help? Click here.

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Need Food?

Christmas Cheer was established in 1910 to provide a helping hand to local families during the holidays. A volunteer board operated this program, and in 2024 the Heartland United Way started to carry on this tradition. This program provides a grocery voucher for a holiday meal to people in need in Hall County.

Sign up for this program begins in October 1, and ends November 17, 2025.

Need Gifts?

Heartland United Way works in partnership with the U.S. Marine Corp each year to offer the Heartland United Way Toy Drive & Toys for Tots Distribution. Children must be 12 years old or younger and reside with you in Hall, Hamilton, Howard, or Merrick Counties in Nebraska to be eligible for this program.

Parents whose children are accepted into the program will receive a letter/voucher to “shop” for their child’s gift from the donated items. The goal is to collect enough items so each child will receive one toy, a stuffed animal, and a book or game.

Applications open on October 1, and close November 17, 2025. Wait List closes at 8:00 a.m. on December 10, 2025.

Christmas Cheer Registration

Christmas Cheer registration is now closed for 2025.

To find other food resources, click here.

Holiday Toy Drive Wait List (Closes Dec. 10th at 8 a.m.)

Registration to receive toys through the 2025 Heartland United Way Toy Collection & Toys for Tots Distribution closed November 17th. Those on the Wait List are not guaranteed toys. Families who have applied for the Wait List will not receive a letter in the mail or through their child's school, but will be notified via email.

Applications are now closed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my application was accepted or denied?

If your Heartland United Way Toy Drive and Toys for Tots Distribution application is accepted you will receive a letter around December 3. If your application is denied you will be sent an email explaining the reason your application was not accepted (example: You don't live in the four-county area we serve). Families who have applied for the Wait List will not receive a letter in the mail or through their child's school, but will be notified of their shopping time via email. Those on the waitlist are not guaranteed toys.

Where do I find my Holiday Toy Drive Distribution letter?

IN YOUR CHILD'S BACKPACK

Grand Island Public School families with children in elementary school.

IN THE MAIL

Families with children not enrolled in school.
Families with children enrolled in schools outside of Grand Island Public Schools.
Families with ONLY middle school children in Grand Island Public Schools.

AT THE DISTRIBUTION SITE

Families who applied for toys AFTER 5:00 P.M. ON NOVEMBER 17TH are added to the Wait List. Toys are not guaranteed for families on the Wait List.
Check your email for a shopping time. (No email by December 5? Call 308-382-2675 with questions.)
Families who applied for the Wait List are not automatically accepted. Plan to bring an ID and your child(ren)'s birth certificates to the distribution site.

When should I expect a letter?

If your application for the Heartland United Way Toy Drive and Toys for Tots Distribution is accepted you should receive a letter around December 3. If you have not received a letter by December 5, feel free to call our office at 308-382-2675. If you applied to the Wait List you will not receive a letter. Families on the Wait List should receive an email with a shopping time and instructions.

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Community Resiliency

sysop — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 15:56:11 +0000

Community Resiliency

sysop Tue, 02/25/2025 - 9:56am

Our goal is to address the urgent needs of today for a better tomorrow.

Heartland United Way, along with our partners, empower communities with the knowledge and resources to tackle systemic issues. We're stepping up to make a positive impact during times of crisis, and during everyday crises, the 24/7 211 Resource Hotline is there to offer immediate guidance and support.

211 Resource Hotline

People across our area face challenges every day and may not know how to find or access local programs that address them. That’s what 211 is all about: connecting our neighbors with nearby services that can help.

If you are looking for assistance in finding a food pantry, paying for a utility bill, accessing safe housing or shelter, receiving counseling services and more, speak with one of our helpline specialists today.

211 is available 24/7 by phone or text. Your call is free and confidential.

Community Partners focused on Community Resiliency

American Red Cross

How to Help

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Tri-City Day of Awareness

sysop — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 23:50:33 +0000

Tri-City Day of Awareness

sysop Thu, 01/16/2025 - 5:50pm

Heartland United Way joins Tri-City Day of Awareness

Red sand lined the sidewalk cracks in front of the Heartland United Way on January 15, as a way to raise awareness of trafficking.

HUW staff joined the Red Sand Project Tri-City Day of Awareness.

The Red Sand Project estimates around 50 million people are being trafficked or living in modern slavery worldwide, and we know it’s happening in our own communities. Heartland United Way partners are working to combat these crimes and help survivors.

For example, in 2024, Willow Rising, Inc. engaged with 266 adults and 2,730 youth through presentations and workshops on teen dating violence, human trafficking, and domestic and sexual violence.

Navigate our website heartlandunitedway.org to learn more about groups combating this crime and the Grand Island Area Coalition on Trafficking.

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211 Resource Hotline

Nicolen — Fri, 13 Dec 1901 20:45:52 +0000

211 Resource Hotline

Nicolen Fri, 12/13/1901 - 2:45pm

For over a decade, 2-1-1 has been serving Nebraska and Southwest Iowa.

People across our area face challenges every day and may not know how to find or access local programs that address them. That’s what 211 is all about: connecting our neighbors with nearby services that can help. If you are looking for assistance in finding a food pantry, paying for a utility bill, accessing safe housing or shelter, receiving counseling services and more, speak with one of our helpline specialists today.

211 is available 24/7 by phone or text. Your call is free and confidential.

Click the image below to watch a short clip about how 211 is here for you, 24/7.

What's the best way to get in touch?

The easiest way is to simply call 2-1-1! Our helpline specialists will be happy to assist you with a needs referral. Our searchable database is also available here. You can also text your zip code to 898211. If you are unable to call or text, you can email our team at ne211@uwmidlands.org.

PLEASE NOTE: Not all cell phones, pay phones and company phone systems allow callers to call 2-1-1 or other three-digit phone numbers. If this is an issue, you can still reach the 2-1-1 call center by calling 402-444-6666.

The 211 Nebraska/SW Iowa App is available for Android and Apple products. The App allows users to find the resources they need and save information that they can access offline as well. Download the app and get connected today!

What information does 2-1-1 provide?

The 211 call center and database helps connect residents to:

Utility Assistance
Rent Assistance
Food Pantries
Shelter and Housing Services
Clothing
Abuse Prevention
Behavioral Health Services
Support Groups
Senior Services
Transportation
Disaster Services
Government Shutdown Support
Legal Services
Health Care Services
Family Support
Financial Assistance and Education

About the 211 Searchable Database

Nebraska 211 keeps an accurate and comprehensive database that you can use to find health and human services to meet your needs. Our database allows you to browse hundreds of health and human services online, learn about specific programs, intake requirements, eligibility, operation hours and more. The database also has information on disaster-related services. Click here to search the 2-1-1 database.

In 2025, there were 1,781 calls

from Hall, Hamilton, Howard, and Merrick Counties.

60%

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Red Arches

Winners named in first ever Heartland United Way $50k Giveaway

WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Holiday Help

Want to help? Click here.

Need Food?

Sign up for this program begins in October 1, and ends November 17, 2025.

Need Gifts?

Christmas Cheer registration is now closed for 2025.

To find other food resources, click here.

Applications are now closed.

Status message

IN YOUR CHILD'S BACKPACK

IN THE MAIL

AT THE DISTRIBUTION SITE

Community Resiliency

Our goal is to address the urgent needs of today for a better tomorrow.

74 people received support following a disaster like a home fire.

1,451 callers received help through the 211 Resource Hotline in 2024.

211 is available 24/7 by phone or text. Your call is free and confidential.

Tri-City Day of Awareness

Heartland United Way joins Tri-City Day of Awareness

211 Resource Hotline

For over a decade, 2-1-1 has been serving Nebraska and Southwest Iowa.

What's the best way to get in touch?

What information does 2-1-1 provide?

About the 211 Searchable Database