How to Give Back to Your Omaha Community This Holiday Season
People who make giving a part of their life know that much personal joy can be gained through the act of selflessness. This year add more holiday joy to you and your family’s life by volunteering and giving back to the community.
There are many deserving organizations in our area that can use the abilities of someone just like you; the following ideas are just a small sample. Some of these volunteer opportunities have limited spots available, others require some training, so to be available in time for the holidays, it’s best to start the process today.
It should go without saying that the organizations mentioned also welcome donations from the community, in case your schedule feels too hectic for volunteering or you want to do even more. Just check out their website or call them for details on how and what to donate.
Hospitals
Hospitals and medical facilities are full of people who need smiling faces and helping hands as they and their family endure what is likely a very stressful time.
Nebraska Medicine
There are great opportunities with Nebraska Medicine.
- Greet and assist guests as they arrive
- Deliver mail and get-well cards to patients
- Roll through the halls with the hospitality cart to brighten everyone’s days
- Assist the Child Life staff with diversionary activities for hospitalized children to buoy their spirits
- And so much more!
For just a few hours a week, you can make a profound difference in the lives of Nebraska Medicine’s guests, helping people on the path to recovery. There are opportunities for everyone 16 and up at all locations.
Nebraska Medical Center
4350 Dewey Ave.
Omaha, NE 68105
Village Pointe Health Center
111 N 175th St.
Omaha, NE 68118
Bellevue Medical Center
2500 Bellevue Medical Center Drive
Bellevue NE 68123
Children’s Hospital and Medical Center
There are similar opportunities as with Nebraska Medicine, including meal service for the out-of-town families staying at the Carolyn Scott Rainbow House.
Children’s Hospital and Medical Center
8200 Dodge St
Omaha, NE 68114
Carolyn Scott Rainbow House
7825 Farnam Dr.
Omaha, NE 68114
Shelters / Food Banks
Food Bank for the Heartland
Food Bank for the Heartland distributes food to 600 food pantries, schools, emergency shelters and other nonprofit partners, making it the largest food bank in both Nebraska and Iowa, serving 93 counties in total. As such a large organization, it needs volunteers as much as it needs food donations.
Food Bank for the Heartland is such a great organization to work with that Hometown Hero is once again contributing to their holiday effort. Scroll to the end to see how Hometown Hero is partnering with Food Bank for the Heartland to facilitate a city-wide food drive, as well as how you can help.
Food Bank for the Heartland
10525 J St
Omaha, NE 68127
Siena Francis House
The Siena Francis House is the largest shelter in Nebraska and will work with you to find a volunteer opportunity that fits your skills and talents. They even have opportunities for groups to get involved, which is great way for you to spend meaningful time with your friends, neighbors, or coworkers.
For more shelters, check out shelter listings.
Siena Francis House
1702 Nicholas Street
Omaha, Nebraska 68102
Retirement Homes
Have a parent or grandparent living in a retirement home? Make your visit truly special. Many retirement homes and assisted living facilities welcome volunteers to brighten the lives of its residents.
- Help with group activities
- Play games with residents
- Share your talents for the guests
- Go caroling
You can make the facility feel like a real home for your family as well as for the other residents you interact with.
Most facilities have an activity director who plans events throughout the month. Contact that person to see how your family can be involved.
Public Spaces
If there’s a public space in your community that your family loves and appreciates, from museums to performing arts centers, why not give back to an organization that has already given you so much. Here are a few ideas:
Omaha Public Library
Assist around the library or help with special events. And if you have a young reader in the house (11-18) who doesn’t always get their books back on time ($10 or more in overdue fines), the All Clear Program clears their record and gives them back their checkout privileges.
City of Omaha Parks
Get a jump on volunteering for their December events, like the Candy Cane Run or Pickleball Tournament. Sign up by yourself or put together a group of volunteers from your family and friends.
“What else is there?”
“If none of those volunteer opportunities sound like a fit, rest assured, we’ve only scratched the surface. Head to https://shareomaha.org/ for hundreds more opportunities in your community.“
What Hometown Hero is Doing to Help in our Community
As mentioned above, Hometown Hero Appliance Repair is partnering with Food Bank for the Heartland on a food drive from November 1 – 30. There are two ways you can contribute food for the drive:
- At the end of each scheduled service appointment, our technicians will accept donations, which they will deliver to the Food Bank.
- We will also accept freewill donations at our location: 830 S 75th St, Omaha, NE 68114. Click here for directions.
Customers who donate three or more items will receive $10 off any completed repair or maintenance. The Food Bank accepts all non-expired canned goods or non-perishable food, but most-needed food items include:
- Peanut butter
- Macaroni & cheese
- Canned tuna & chicken
- Cereal
- Pancake mix
- Canned fruit & vegetables
- Pork & beans
- Pasta & sauce
- Boxed meals
If you need an excuse for us to come out to your home, it’s already recommended you maintain your cooking appliances before the holidays. This ensures not only that they don’t break down over the holidays, but that they cook your turkey, and every other delicious meal you have planned, to perfection.
So don’t hesitate: schedule maintenance or repair with the experts at Hometown Hero Appliance Repair, donate some food to our food drive, and have a feel-good holiday season.
