The Heartland United Way is working to make the holidays brighter this year for local families through the Toys for Tots and Adopt-a-Family gift assistance programs.  For both holiday programs, the Heartland United Way relies on the community to help provide for all of the children and families who are referred.  This year, the need is greater in the community while resources are reduced. 

 

The Toys for Tots program, in partnership with the U.S. Marine Corps and Grand Island Salvation Army, provides holiday gifts for local children age 10 and under who might not experience the joy of Christmas otherwise.  Donations of new, unwrapped toys appropriate for ages 0 to 10 are being collected at the Heartland United Way office, 410 W. 2nd Street, and other participating locations in Hall, Hamilton, Howard and Merrick counties through Sunday, December 20th (full list of authorized locations below).

 

In addition to new toy donations, volunteers are needed to adopt local families.  The Adopt a Family program enables businesses, community members or organizations to provide clothing, food and gifts for families experiencing tough times this holiday season.  Volunteers are paired with a family and provided a description of their situation or special needs.

 

Donations to both programs stay in our community.  The Heartland United Way served over 1,700 children and 47 families last year through these holiday programs.  Children and families must be referred by Health & Human Services, a United Way partner agency, school, church or other approved non-profit organization to participate.

 

Applications for children and families experiencing a genuine need this holiday season must be received by December 1st to be considered.

 

Community members, businesses and groups can help meet the need by donating new toys, adopting a family or providing monetary donations to fill in where needs are not met.

 

To get involved with Toys for Tots or Adopt a Family, contact the Heartland United Way at 308-382-2675.

 

Authorized 2009 Toys for Tots drop-off locations:

Heartland United Way, Skagway, Sam’s Club, Shopko, K-Mart, Kohl’s, Conestoga Mall – Hobby Town USA, Pump & Pantry (Any location - free medium drink), Newell Elementary, Tier One Bank (Grand Island/St. Paul), Home Federal Bank (Stolley Park), Bank of the West, Equitable Bank, Computers on the Run, Grand Island Fire Departments, Exchange Bank, Charter Communications (Grand Island – free installation/upgrade), Eakes Office Plus, YWCA, Principal Financial Group, General Collections, Dept. of Health and Human Services (Grand Island), First Presbyterian Church (Wood River), Wood River C Store, Wood River Elementary School and ABC Child Care/Preschool of Christ Lutheran Church (Cairo)