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Grand Island Community Rallies for ‘Day of Action’ with Record-Breaking Volunteer Turnout
Grand Island – The Annual “Day Of Action” witnessed an remarkable surge in community engagement, as nearly 100 volunteers dedicated their time and energy to various projects across the city on Friday. This event, coordinated with Heartland United Way community partners, saw a remarkable increase from the previous year, reinforcing the spirit of volunteerism in the region.
Record-Breaking Turnout for Community Support
The “Day Of Action” featured 17 distinct projects spread across 12 Heartland United Way partner organizations.The volunteer turnout more than tripled compared to 2024, with at least a dozen children participating alongside adult volunteers. Only one of the participating organizations did not receive volunteer assistance.
Teams from Hargis House, CNH, Stuhr Foundation, Young Professionals & The Grand island Chamber, Chief Fabrication, Rotary Club Of Grand Island, and Chief Carriers all participated. 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 Centre, Associated Staffing, Nebraska State Fair, & residents from all of the four counties the Heartland United Way serves were present, showcasing broad community involvement.
Diverse Projects,United Goal
The volunteers engaged in a wide array of activities,from painting flowerpots and tidying up Kids Kingdom at Stolley Park to assembling Family Safety Planning Kits and preparing science projects for Girl Scouts. This diverse range of projects highlighted the varied needs within the community and the willingness of volunteers to address them.
The Heartland United Way inaugurated the day by opening its doors to the public, providing data about their non-profit initiatives and showcasing their newly renovated office space. Food trucks offered treats, and a prize wheel offered a chance to win free merchandise. Volunteers also received vouchers for DonutNV or Holy Grounds.
Prior to the main event, ten FNBO employees organized their own day of action on June 18, contributing to the Central Nebraska Council on Alcoholism and addictions and Legal Aid of Nebraska.
Pro Tip: Consider signing up for email updates from local volunteer organizations to stay informed about upcoming opportunities and urgent needs.
Voices from the Volunteers
According to Emily Laudenklos,”I chose to volunteer because it’s a meaningful way to show that our Grand Island community is committed to supporting one another…giving back is not only rewarding, but essential to building a stronger, more connected community.”
María Hernandez shared, “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 habitat.”
Cathey Davis expressed, “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.”
Jodi Rauert, FNBO financial Advisor and a former Heartland United Way Board chair, noted, “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…”
Impact on Partner Agencies
First Light Child advocacy Center Interim Executive Director Julissa Rivera emphasized the importance of volunteers, stating, “Volunteers are very meaningful here at First Light. We rely on their help so much on a day-to-day basis… They make a huge difference.”
Multicultural Coalition Executive Director Raúl Arcos Hawkins noted the significance of volunteer events in educating the community about their work. He estimates that the Coalition has distributed 6,000 similar Family safety Planning Kits in recent months.
Hope harbor Operations Manager Molly Clark highlighted the efficiency gained through volunteer efforts, “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.”
heartland United Way’s Perspective
Heartland United Way President Karen Rathke affirmed the organization’s commitment to community involvement, stating, “At Heartland United Way, we believe that when people give back, take action, and get involved, real change happens… Together, we’re building a stronger, more caring community-one action at a time.”
Karly Behrendt,Heartland United Way Director Of Growth,added,”it takes many hands & hearts to build a strong community that truly feels cared for and connected… We are incredibly blessed for those who willingly give their time & energy to lend a hand and make our mission possible.”
Volunteer Opportunities Abound
Volunteers are consistently needed throughout the year. Opportunities that align with individual schedules and interests can be found at www.go2volunteer.org.This website serves as a central hub for connecting potential volunteers with organizations in need of assistance.
Did You No? according to a 2024 study by the Corporation for National and Community Service, volunteers reported feeling a stronger sense of community and improved mental well-being.
Volunteer Statistics: A Snapshot
| Year | Volunteers | Projects |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 30 | N/A |
| 2025 | 99 | 17 |
What motivates you to volunteer in your community? Share your thoughts below!
Are there specific causes you are passionate about supporting through volunteer work?
The Enduring Value of Volunteering
volunteering is more than just donating time; it’s an investment in the well-being of the community. Studies consistently show that communities with high volunteer rates experience stronger social cohesion and better overall quality of life. Volunteer roles can range from direct service, such as tutoring or mentoring, to indirect support, such as administrative assistance or fundraising. The key is finding a role that matches your skills and interests.
Beyond the community impact, volunteering offers significant personal benefits. It can provide a sense of purpose,reduce stress,and improve mental and physical health. Volunteering also offers opportunities to learn new skills, meet new people, and build valuable professional networks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Volunteering
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What are the most impactful ways volunteers can contribute to our Day of Action, adn how can we ensure that every volunteer feels valued and supported?
100+ Volunteers Unite for Day of Action: Making a Difference
the Power of Collective Action: Our Day of Action
Every year, we mobilize over 100 volunteers for our annual Day of action, an event dedicated to making a tangible difference in our community. This initiative provides a unique opportunity for individuals to come together, lend a helping hand, and contribute to various meaningful projects. Our community impact is greatly amplified by these acts of service.
The Day of Action is more than just a one-day event; its a symbol of our commitment to social responsibility and a testament to the impact of collaborative efforts. We focus on different areas depending on the community’s most critical needs.
Areas of Focus: Where our Volunteers Make a Difference
During our Day of Action, volunteers engage in multiple projects designed to address critical community needs. Key areas include:
- Environmental Conservation: Cleaning up parks, planting trees, and improving green spaces.This aligns with our goals of fostering a enduring community.
- community Outreach: Serving meals at homeless shelters, organizing food drives, and visiting senior centers.
- Educational Support: Tutoring students, assisting in schools, and providing resources for children.
- Neighborhood Revitalization: Painting,repairing homes,and improving public spaces. Focusing on neighborhood development.
real-World Examples: Volunteer Impact in Action
Let’s look at some cases where our volunteers’ efforts truly made a difference.
case Study 1: Park Cleanup Initiative. One year,over 50 volunteers dedicated their time to cleaning up a local park.They removed debris, planted native plants, and restored play areas. The result? Improved safety, enhanced aesthetics, and a renewed sense of community pride. The local authorities were so impressed, they allocated additional resources for park maintenance.
Case Study 2: Food Drive Success. Our volunteers organized a food drive,collecting over 500 food items for a local food bank. They sorted, packed, and distributed these items to those in need. This initiative addressed food insecurity and connected with hunger relief efforts.
Benefits of Volunteering on Day of Action
Volunteering during our Day of Action offers a multitude of benefits:
- Community Building: Connect with like-minded individuals and forge lasting relationships.
- Skill Development: Learn new skills and gain experience.
- Sense of Fulfillment: Experience the satisfaction of making a real impact.
- Positive impact: Directly contribute to improving your local community.
Practical Tips: Get Involved in the Next Day of Action
Ready to join us? Here’s how you can participate in our next Day of Action:
- Register Early: Sign up through our website or social media channels to secure your spot. Space is often limited.
- Choose Your Project: Select a project that aligns with your interests and skills. We have options for various abilities and interests.
- Bring a Friend: Encourage others to volunteer with you. The more, the merrier!
- Follow Guidelines: Adhere to all safety guidelines and instructions provided by project supervisors.
- Have Fun: Enjoy the experience and the camaraderie of making a difference.
Volunteer Spotlight: Meet our Dedicated Volunteers
The success of our Day of Action relies on the dedicated efforts of our volunteers. Here are some of the inspiring individuals who have made a difference:
Volunteer Name Role Contribution Sarah J. Project Leader Organized and led the park cleanup initiative. David L. Food Drive Coordinator Managed the food drive logistics, resulting in a record collection. Maria S. Team Member Dedicated time to painting homes and improving community areas.
