GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA (June 20, 2025) Volunteers spent those extra minutes of the longest day of the year taking action Friday.
Day of Action drew at least 99 community members who had the opportunity to take part in 17 projects at 12 Heartland United Way community partner organizations. This was an incredible increase from 2024’s turnout of 30 volunteers. At least 12 of those volunteers were kids. Only one organization did not receive volunteer help. In all, participants put in 298 volunteer hours.
“I believe in the importance of giving back and making a positive difference in the lives of others. Helping the community allows me to connect with people from different backgrounds, learn from their experiences, and contribute to creating a more supportive and caring environment,” said volunteer María Hernandez.
Teams from Hargis House, CNH, Stuhr Foundation, Young Professionals & the Grand Island Chamber, Chief Fabrication, Rotary Club of Grand Island, and Chief Carriers participated as well as representatives from CHI, Grand Island Public Schools, Principal, Heartland United Way Board, Eakes, Epic Discovery, Home Federal, FNIC, AMUR, JAG NE, Hy-Vee, Allen Capital, Floyd’s Truck Center, Associated Staffing, Nebraska State Fair, & residents from all of the four counties the Heartland United Way serves.
“At Heartland United Way, we believe that when people give back, take action, and get involved, real change happens. Day of Action is a powerful reminder of how our community shows up—not just in words, but in deeds. I’m incredibly grateful to every volunteer who stepped up to serve in Hall, Hamilton, Howard, and Merrick counties. Your time, your hands, your hearts—each act of service helps fulfill our mission to improve lives and create possibilities. Together, we’re building a stronger, more caring community—one action at a time,” said Heartland United Way President Karen Rathke.
Volunteers did everything from paint flowerpots and cleaning up Kids Kingdom at Stolley Park to assembling Family Safety Planning Kits and science projects for Girl Scouts.
“I chose to volunteer because it’s a meaningful way to show that our Grand Island community is committed to supporting one another. As a Young Professional and someone who’s proud to help lead the Grand Island YP Group, I believe giving back is not only rewarding, but essential to building a stronger, more connected community. Whether it’s a small act of service or a larger project, lending a helping hand shows that we care and that we’re invested in the future of our community,” said Emily Laudenklos. 
Laudenklos braved the hot afternoon organizing Hope Harbor’s garage, among other heavy lifting.
“These are usually the projects that get put on the back burner because they don’t need done right away but then they end up getting pushed back with all the other responsibilities we have as a shelter here, so this, having lots of hands on deck and getting all of these done within a couple of hours or a four hour shift is just amazing and we’re so thankful for it,” said Hope Harbor Operations Manager Molly Clark.
The Heartland United Way kicked off the day by opening their doors, inviting the community to learn more about the non-profit, see the new look of the office, grab a treat from food trucks posted outside, and spin a prize wheel for a chance at free swag. Day of Action volunteers were given a voucher for a purchase at DonutNV or Holy Grounds.
Ten FNBO employees held their own Day of Action on June 18.
“We all want to volunteer but sometimes it’s a little hard for us to get out there and so this worked out perfect and in fact we’re helping two agencies, one being the Central Nebraska Council on Alcoholism & Addictions and the other one is Legal Aid,” said Jodi Rauert, FNBO Financial Advisor and a former Heartland United Way Board chair.
Volunteers are desperately needed year-round. 
“It takes many hands & hearts to build a strong community that truly feels cared for and connected. Pouring my energy into helping others wherever I can is something I want to do whenever I am able because so many people have given me, my family, & our community the same level of support. That's what community is about - lifting each other up and helping where and when you can. We are incredibly fortunate for those who willingly give their time & energy to lend a hand and make our mission possible. Meeting people who have the drive to get involved and take action is the best because that’s a reminder of a positive look into our future,” said Karly Behrendt, Heartland United Way director of Development.
You can find volunteer opportunities that fit your schedule and interests at www.go2volunteer.org.
What Other Volunteers Are Saying
“I think volunteering is a great way to share skills I currently have with the community, a great place to meet new people, a way to learn more skills, and a way to gain a feeling of belonging,” said volunteer Cathey Davis.
What Other Heartland United Way Community Partners Are Saying
“Volunteers are very important here at First Light. We rely on their help so much on a day-to-day basis. When it comes to seeing kids that are in such a vulnerable state and knowing that volunteers have come in and helped organize our closet and knowing that we have close ready and bags ready for kids to start the healing process is so important as well as when they come with daily donations, snacks, waters. They make a huge difference,” said First Light Child Advocacy Center Interim Executive Director Julissa Rivera.
“Having volunteers show up like this is an amazing and tremendous opportunity for the agency to be able to kind of give back and then to provide events like these to educate the volunteers and our community about the work that we do,” said Multicultural Coalition Executive Director Raúl Arcos Hawkins. He estimates the Multicultural Coalition has handed out 6,000 similar Family Safety Planning Kits in the last few months.
