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.
Contact Meg at Fresh Start at 402-475-7777 or megd@freshstarthome.org
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
Contact Suzy Thompson at 402-475-7666 or sthompson@hopespoke.org
Contact Karen French at 402-477-8854 or at karen.french@belmontcommunitycenter.org
Contact Leanne Pelser at Leanne.Pelser@MTKO.org or 402-817-0163
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.
Contact Bailey Wood at 402-475-8718 ext. 133 or bwood@centerpointe.org
Contact Whitney at 402-434-0167 or whitneyw@friendshiphome.org
Contact Bryan Foundation at 402-481-8605 or BryanFoundation@BryanHealth.org
Police are investigating the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old from Council Bluffs Friday night in South Omaha as a homicide.Â
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