News

Heartland United Way staff load frozen chickens into coolers in the back of a truck.
Aksarben Stock Show chickens leave impact in central…
GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA (October 1, 2025) Chickens from the Aksarben Stock Show are making an impact in central Nebraska long after they’ve left the…
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Toys are stacked on tables as people in need shop during the Heartland United Way and Toys for Tots Distribution in 2024.
Apply for holiday help starting October 1st
GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA (September 30, 2025) The holiday season is almost here and so is more help for families struggling in Hall, Hamilton, Howard…
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The Talbott Brothers play in front of a child's testimonial on a big screen talking about the importance of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.
Imagination Bacon raises nearly $45,000 for local kids
GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA (September 22, 2025) Hundreds of bacon and brew lovers helped bring home enough bacon to fund a year's worth of books for 1,…
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A 4th Street business owner shares her experience during Welcoming Week 2025.
Every week can be Welcoming Week!
GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA (September 22, 2025) Twenty-seven people joined the Heartland United Way and Rural Prosperity Nebraska Extension Educator…
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Heartland United Way $50K Giveaway donated by Kent and Tonja Brown
New Heartland United Way $50K Giveaway announced
GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA (September 19, 2025) The Heartland United Way is ringing in the holidays as we ask our community to believe in the magic of…
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An FFA member places cans of food on a scale during Husker Harvest Days 2025.
Husker Harvest Days donations help fill local food pantries…
GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA (September 12, 2025) Nebraska and Iowa FFA chapters united to help feed those in need in Hall, Hamilton, Howard and Merrick…
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People gather at a restaurant during Welcoming Week 2024.
Heartland United Way to host tours of diverse…
GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA (September 4, 2025) The public will once again get a behind-the-scenes look at local businesses during Welcoming Week 2025.…
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Elijah Wachter, of Ravenna, receives Scoops ice cream during the 2025 Nebraska State Fair.
Scoops sales up during the 2025 Nebraska State Fair
GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA (September 3, 2025) Ice cream will soon turn into impact after Nebraska State Fairgoers ate 20 tubs more than last year at the…
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Canned food
Shelters & pantries stress need as Heartland…
GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA (August 22, 2025) Collecting for the Heartland United Way’s 2025 Husker Harvest Days Food Drive has begun at local grocery…
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Two boys eat ice cream on a bench in front of Scoops Ice Cream Parlor.
Scoops serves up 11 flavors for 21 causes
GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA (August 20, 2025) Nebraska State Fair-goers are encouraged to put some ice cream on their fair face with a stop at Scoops Ice…
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Community members gathered for a celebration of Karen Rathke's 25 years with the Heartland United Way.
Rathke celebrates 25 years leading Heartland United Way
GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA (August 14, 2025) Grand Island came out to celebrate Heartland United Way President Karen Rathke Thursday.August 14th marked…
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Heartland United Way President Karen Rathke and other Nebraska United Way leaders stand with Senator Pete Ricketts during 2025 United Way Hill Day.
Heartland United Way talks with lawmakers during UW Hill Day
WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 7-9, 2025) In July, nearly 400 United Way leaders from 49 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico, convened for United Way Worldwide's…
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