Black Hawk Button Club to host program in Waterloo

Contact Courtney at 402-434-5529 or email Courtney@l-housing.com

Sasha is a single mother of three girls and two boys, ages 3 through 14. Having completed schooling, she has worked hard to pay off student debt in hopes of becoming financially stable, but funds have been tight. She works full time. She says that even though it’s not always easy, she wouldn’t trade being a mother for the world. She would appreciate receiving socks, hats, gloves, and/or toiletries.

Jessica, whose daughter will soon be turning 2, is working full time, going to school and pursuing her CNA. She would appreciate winter coats for herself, large or XL, and her daughter, size 2T-3T; a winter hat and boots for her daughter, size 6 in toddler, and some groceries during the holiday season.

Kathy, a single mother of five children, ages 4-12, earned her GED and is working on an associate’s degree. She also picked up a job to help provide for her children during the holidays. Kathy is disabled, so things that may not seem difficult to most, can be extremely difficult for her. Kathy needs clothing for her children, a winter coat for herself, food for the holidays and possibly some toys.

Contact Meg at Fresh Start at 402-475-7777 or megd@freshstarthome.org

Amy came to Fresh Start after leaving a domestic violence situation. She is rebuilding her life and recently started a full-time job. She would like gas cards to help her get to work. Amy loves cooking and would like a new set of pans and baking sheets for when she moves out of Fresh Start.

Sally resided at Fresh Start earlier this year. She successfully completed the program, moved into her own apartment, and is participating in community support services. She just welcomed her first child and is adjusting well to parenthood. She would like diapers, a new set of dishes, and Walmart cards to buy additional items for her family.

Patricia just graduated parole and is maintaining her sobriety. She is working full time and pursuing her GED. She would like grocery gift cards, a new bath towel set and new queen-size bedding for when she moves into her own apartment.

Linda recently moved out of Fresh Start and into her own apartment. She celebrated one year of sobriety in October. She is furnishing her new apartment and would like new pots and pans, a new set of glasses, and new silverware or cooking utensils.

Fresh Start, a transitional shelter for women who are experiencing homelessness, helps residents become self-sufficient by developing a goal plan that includes securing income, finding safe housing, and addressing health needs. They always need toilet paper, grocery and gas cards, cleaning supplies, feminine hygiene products and laundry detergent.

Contact Yaquelin Cisneros at yaquelin@voicesofhopelincoln.org

Laura, 32, and her four young children relocated to Lincoln after fleeing from sexual abuse. Laura does not have a support system in Lincoln. She spent her savings on relocating and is worried about providing Christmas gifts for her children. She needs store gift cards to buy gifts for her children along with gas gift cards to help stretch her paychecks as much as possible.

Sandra, 27, was sexually assaulted by her landlord, forcing her to break her lease, seek a protection order, and try to heal from the trauma. Having had to search for a new place to live, she has spent her savings on a deposit and the first month’s rent. Sandra seeks help with household necessities such as laundry detergent, toilet paper, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, dish soap, and cleaning products.

Scarlet, 36, and her 4-year-old twins (a boy and a girl) recently left the home they shared with their Scarlet’s ex-partner and abuser. Scarlet’s abuser ruined many of Scarlet’s and the twins’ belongings by pouring bleach on them before they left. Scarlet seeks support to replace items that have been ruined. The items requested include gift cards to buy bedding for her and the twins, winter clothing, and household items.

Victoria, 25, left her abusive husband and applied for a protection order that was served. Victoria’s abuser continually violates the protection order and has been stalking her and leaving threatening objects on her porch. Victoria notifies the police, but he disappears before they arrive. Victoria needs security cameras for her home to capture the violations of the protection orders.

Contact Mandy Suing at 402-437-8815 or asuing@cedarskids.org.

Logan, 20, is experiencing homelessness and has had to couch-surf at friends’ houses just to have a safe place to spend the night. He had a difficult childhood, but he did maintain a small group of close friends who have  supported him. Logan is also a father to a young daughter, but due to his homelessness, he does not get to spend as much time with her as he would like. Cedars has helped Logan find a safe place that will allow for his daughter to come stay with him at times. He would be grateful for cooking utensils, dishes, athletic clothing (adult size L or XL), and gift cards to Walmart and Best Buy.

Monica and Julio recently immigrated to Nebraska from their home country with their two children, ages 2 years and 4 months. They are grateful to live in the U.S., but still face challenges while they adjust. Cedars has helped the family receive access to parenting resources, quality child care, and the essentials for their new home. The family would be grateful for any additional help around the holidays. They need a vacuum, pots and pans, queen-size bedding/comforter set and baby wipes.

Alicia and Morgan are providing supportive care in their home for two teenage girls who needed a safe and stable living environment. They also have three teenagers of their own. The teenage girls have been through experiences that would be difficult to navigate without supportive foster parents like Alicia and Morgan. CEDARS has connected them to community resources and provided them with basic necessities. This family would benefit from an air fryer, kitchen dish set (plates and bowls), and gift cards to grocery stores and coffee chains.

Astrid has five children (ages 13, 10, 7, 5, and 2 months). She does not have any family in town and lacks a local support system. One of Astrid’s children has a developmental disability which requires additional care. Her three middle children are enrolled in a CEDARS Community Learning Center. CEDARS has continued to help the family by providing before- and after-school care, behavioral support, and clothing. This family would appreciate a vacuum, bakeware set, diapers (any size), art supplies, and school-age board games.

Contact Stacie at 402-477-3951 extension 106 or development@thebridgenebraska.org

Andrew, 35, is a resilient soul battling addiction with unwavering determination. His path has been marked by struggles, but his strength in seeking recovery is truly inspiring. As he rebuilds his life, having access to clean, comfortable clothes can boost his self-esteem and help him take one more step toward his recovery. Andrew is a size XL and can use a new wardrobe including a winter coat, shirts, hoodie, pants, socks and underwear.

Jennifer, 30, is seeking help for her prescription pill addiction. In her quest to build an addiction-free life, Jennifer has found solace and self-expression through art. She would love art supplies and adult coloring books to help fill the gaps between educational groups and therapy sessions.

Contact Suzy Thompson at 402-475-7666 or sthompson@hopespoke.org

Alex, 5, sees a HopeSpoke mental health therapist at his elementary school. Mom works to care for Alex and his three older sisters, but the family can’t afford many basic needs; at school, Alex often reports that he didn’t have dinner the night before. Clothes (size 4T-5T, shoes size 12) and toys would brighten Alex’s holidays. He likes dinosaurs, Spiderman, cars, and books. The family also could use gift cards to Walmart for food, clothes, and to buy holiday gifts for his siblings. Contact HopeSpoke for specific needs for Alex’s mom and sisters.

Brothers Tom, 13, and Joe, 12, both receive mental health therapy through HopeSpoke to deal with grief. Their mom died unexpectedly during COVID; Dad has remarried and there are five children in their blended household. Money is tight and food goes fast. The boys would love model paint sets, Minecraft and other Lego sets, and a family pass to Morrill Hall. Both boys wear men’s size XL and could use T-shirts, pants, sweatpants and hoodies. Their family also could use gift cards to grocery and discount stores. Other family members have needs as well; contact HopeSpoke for details.

Silas has graduated ahead of schedule from HopeSpoke’s therapeutic group home and will be living on his own for the first time. He turns 18 in December, has a job, and wants to go to college, saying that for the first time he feels hopeful about his future. Silas grew up in a chaotic home environment and has no family support, so anything to help him set up his new apartment would be appreciated, particularly gift cards for groceries and discount stores.

Contact Karen French at 402-477-8854 or at karen.french@belmontcommunitycenter.org

The Dredge family has spent a third of this year in and out of hospitals supporting their 4-year-old son who has a rare spinal condition. This family of five is in constant motion with two working parents, their 6- and 4-year-old sons, and a daughter, nearly 2. They spend a lot of time traveling to and from health care appointments for their son. Gift cards to Target, Walmart, grocery stores, or gas stations would help meet their needs and prepare for the holidays. Gift cards to restaurants or family-fun activities are also welcome as a way for them to spend quality family time.

Contact Leanne Pelser at Leanne.Pelser@MTKO.org or 402-817-0163

Mary became a regular dining room guest after falling on hard times. She and her 10-year-old daughter recently moved into a new home. Money is short for the holidays. Mary’s daughter doesn’t want to ask for anything for Christmas so as to not burden her mom, but she could use black or navy-blue leggings for school (size 14) and a pair of crocs (women’s size 6). An art lover, Mary’s daughter could use a three-tiered rolling cart to hold art supplies. Mary’s daughter loves the Makit Takit Craft Studio. A gift certificate there would provide great quality time for both mother and daughter. Mary’s daughter also likes to play with makeup and have a spa day with her mom at home. Mary would be grateful for any gifts for her daughter for the holidays to make their first Christmas in their new home a merry one.

Kennedy and her 4-year-old son have been experiencing homelessness for almost a year. They recently moved into a new apartment. Kennedy would like to be able to decorate the house for her son for Christmas. The family needs a Christmas tree, lights and ornaments, a couple of candles, and a welcome sign for the front door of her new home. All white, all red, and all green strings of lights are preferred. Kennedy’s son loves all things Paw Patrol and superheroes. He needs winter clothes size 4/5 and a toddler bed and bedding.

John is a devoted single father facing a challenging holiday season. He is the sole caregiver of his 13-year-old daughter, Emily. John’s days are a juggling act between his full-time job and ensuring Emily’s well-being. His work is not glamorous, but he takes pride in it as it puts food on the table and a roof over their heads. John often has to work long hours to make ends meet, which leaves little time for leisure, let alone holiday preparations. John is determined to make Emily’s Christmas unforgettable. He searches for community programs and charities that can help with gifts, hoping to fulfill Emily’s dreams. John also sacrifices his own needs and indulgences to set aside a small budget for the holiday season. He would love gift cards to make his daughter’s holiday wishes come true. Emily would love any Hello Kitty items, pajama pants (size M), body sprays and perfumes, and hoodies (size M).

Lila, 31, is a single mother of four children — two boys, ages 2 and 11; and two girls, ages 8 and 6. She recently left her husband because of an abusive relationship. She is trying to find a new place to live and will need household essentials such as bedding/ linens, kitchen supplies, and towels. The family could use gift cards to help with this process. Please call or text Amity at LLCHD, 402-310-9145.

Christy is a single mother of a child who has developmental delays. She has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer and needs gas cards to get to and from her appointments. She also could use some help with Christmas for her son. She is currently not working, and faces extra expenses that her medical condition is requiring. Gift cards to purchase groceries and gas will be appreciated. Please call Amity at 402-441-5640 or text 402-310-9145.

Ariel and her 2-year-old son, Adrian, live in a shelter. For now, Ariel can’t work and does not qualify for benefits. She uses the bus to go to free-food locations, but she would love to have fresh food to cook for Adrian. After a traumatic event, Ariel, who receives special education services, developed high anxiety. The family could use fresh food or Walmart gift cards. Adrian needs winter clothes and Ariel would love a vacuum, walker toy for Adrian, sensory toys, bed blankets, a pressure cooker, exercise items, and word-search books for adults. Sizes: Adrian winter clothes and snug-fit footed pajamas size 2T, shoes 6. Ariel S-M hoodie, M T-shirt/jogger pants, warm/snow boots size 7. Contact Dinorah at 402-432-0094 or dgarcia@lincoln.ne.gov.

Stephanie has a son Dany, almost 3, and 8-month-old twins, Lucas and Noah. Only the twins qualify for benefits. The family could use fresh food or grocery store gift cards, blankets for mom and children, sippy cups, cookware set items, personal self-care items for mom and toys for the kids. Sizes: Winter clothes for Lucas and Noah, size 12 months, and size 3 shoes. Dany, 3T and  size 7 shoes. Stephanie, M-L hoodies, L leggings and T-shirts, and size 6 shoes. Contact Dinorah Garcia at 402-432-0094 or dgarcia@lincoln.ne.gov.

Sandy is 8 months pregnant and recently arrived in Lincoln, currently living with her older sister. Sandy’s due date is mid-December, and she is worried about having everything that her baby boy will need. Sandy could use a car seat, a crib or bassinet, a swing or bouncy seat, baby clothes, a diaper bag, and diapers. Sandy needs size-medium winter clothes, a coat, blankets and self-care products. She wears a size 7 shoe. Contact Dinorah at 402-432-0094 or dgarcia@lincoln.ne.gov.

Contact Rose Hood-Buss at 402-471-8526 and rose@hublincoln.org or Lindsey Drake at ldrake@hublincoln.org

Becky, 18, is a high school senior who is graduating a semester early and will be attending Southeast Community College in the spring. She has been supporting herself by working while also attending high school. She does not have family in the state and comes from a non-traditional support system. She lives with her sister, but will be required to move before the holidays. She would like some things to make her new place a home, clothing items and some hygiene products. Lotion, socks (small or medium) sweatpants (medium or large; preferably gray, black, or neutral colors), feminine hygiene products, a blanket, and school supplies (notebooks, colored highlighters, pens).

Georgia, 21, is mom to a 5-year-old boy. Georgia has completed training to obtain her CNA, so she can find employment and housing, as they are currently homeless. She plans to return to school. She loves to write and wants to be a published author of books that can help and inspire people who are struggling. Georgia and her son would like gift cards to Target or Walmart to help with food and clothes, as well as books.

Augustine, 18, has been navigating the GED path and is close to finishing. He has set goals to obtain his GED and go to trade school. He is moving into his own place and could use household items, cleaning supplies, a vacuum cleaner, laundry baskets and gift cards.

Gabby, 19, is a high school senior who will graduate this year. She is also a mom to two little boys (ages 3 & 1) and works as much as she can. She juggles most of this on her own, with little support from her mom and little transportation She is moving into a place of her own and needs household items. The boys could use winter clothes, coats, hats, and gloves (3T & 18M). Gabby could also use winter clothes, a coat (size small), and Uber gift cards.

Keeley, 17, recently moved to Lincoln and is a mom to 3-year-old twin boys. She is going to high school and working two jobs. She is staying with an aunt until she graduates. She plans to pursue a cosmetologist license along with a business degree, as she loves to do hair. She and the boys could benefit from winter clothes (4T & medium in women’s). She would like gift cards to Mid K Hair and Wigs and the boys would like Paw Patrol toys and books.

Shannon, 69, has multiple health conditions that limit her mobility. She needs an electric wheelchair to get around, but her insurance will not cover the full cost. Any donation would be appreciated. Contact Maggie at 402-441-7052 or mschumacher@lincoln.ne.gov

Mattie, 70, has breast cancer and several other chronic diseases. Living on a fixed income in west Lincoln, she must travel to medical appointments and to pick up prescriptions, driving an old car that has avoided major repairs. The air-conditioner broke this spring, so she drove all summer without it. She received some Casey’s gas cards from the American Cancer Society. Now that the seasons are changing, Mattie seeks donations to have her car heater/air conditioner fixed so she will be able to stay warm in the colder weather. Contact Velvet at 402-441-6109 or vhoskins@lincoln.ne.gov

Contact Patty Lang at 402-327-6229 or plang@csshope.org or Mike Fitzgerald at 402-327-6203 or mfitzgerald@csshope.org

Man, 36, a self-employed vending machine supplier, became severely ill this summer due to an autoimmune disorder. It caused antibodies to attack his kidneys, resulting in missed work and a loss of clients. He is still severely ill, but is attempting to work as much as he can. Doctors say it will be months before he might start to recover. His wife is disabled due to fibromyalgia. They have five children (ages 13, 9, 9, 8 and 3). Gift cards to Walmart and Target would help them prepare for the holidays, in addition to gift cards to restaurants or family-fun activities.

Woman, 47, married with four children (ages 13,11,9 & 4), is employed, but has missed a lot of work due to a surgery that brought health issues and caused her to faint. Doctors will soon conduct more tests to see if she does not have more cysts or tumors. Her husband was working, but a stroke last year resulted in brain fogs, preventing him from working. Gift cards to Walmart, Target and any grocery stores are welcome, as are gift cards to restaurants or family-fun activities.

Woman, 37, married with two children (ages 15 and 8) and her husband are self-employed in the cleaning business, but mechanical problems with their vehicle make it difficult to fulfill appointments with clients. Her husband’s trip to the ER for lumbar issues resulted in hospital, doctor and radiology bills. They donate plasma to get extra income. Gift cards to Walmart, Target, and any grocery stores are welcome, as are gift cards to restaurants or family-fun activities.

The Al Zamel family arrived as refugees from Jordan in October. Their home country is Syria, but they have spent the last 10 years as refugees in Jordan. Mohammad and his wife have two boys and two girls between the ages of 3 and 11. One of their daughters has a condition that makes it hard for her to swallow, which has led to malnutrition over her lifetime. Unable to get help for her condition in Jordan, Mohammad hopes she can get the surgery she needs here in Nebraska. They are excited to make a home in Lincoln, but have to start from scratch. They would be thankful for cash assistance, as well as gift cards to Walmart and Target to buy household items.

Contact Bailey Wood at 402-475-8718 ext. 133 or bwood@centerpointe.org

The CenterPointe street outreach team met Joe, 65, and Anna, 63, in September, after being dispatched by the Lincoln Police Department. They and their kitten, Grover, were living out of their RV after Joe had been discharged from the hospital for treatment of a mild heart attack. They were out of gas and food. CenterPointe was able to help meet these immediate needs, but they also need adult-sized coats, hats, gloves, handwarmers and socks.

Nancy, 38, has been homeless for over a year. She was hospitalized three times due to substance use and mental health challenges. She also lost her job, her vehicle, and was contemplating suicide. Everything changed for Nancy after she was referred to CenterPointe, where she was able to get treatment for her substance use and mental health and qualified for housing. Nancy will soon move into housing but doesn’t have the means to stock her apartment with cleaning supplies and basic hygiene items. She needs dish soap, laundry detergent, toilet and shower cleaner, shampoo, soap, and feminine hygiene products.

Contact Whitney at 402-434-0167 or whitneyw@friendshiphome.org

Carla, 34, is a single mom who has spent the last six months living in a state of fear because of her former partner’s stalking tactics. She and her son, William, 7, recently moved into Friendship Home’s emergency shelter after her abuser broke into her apartment while she was at work and destroyed all of their items. Thankfully, Carla and William found clothing and daily necessities at Friendship Home’s boutique. However, they need twin and full sheet/comforter sets and bath towels. William’s favorite color is green, and he loves superheroes. Carla enjoys reading her weekly book while she is relaxing.

Jace, a transgender man in his 20s, came to Friendship Home for help in moving out of his abusive household and into his own place. Friendship Home is helping him lease his new apartment and is providing him with short-term rental assistance and childcare for his 3-year-old daughter. Jace would be grateful for a vacuum, towels, Tupperware, and a dish set.

Brandy left her abusive husband last month after 34 years of living in fear. Brandy is working on rebuilding her life and finding her voice. She’d like gift cards to Walmart for personal items and over-the-counter medications.

Contact Bryan Foundation at 402-481-8605 or BryanFoundation@BryanHealth.org

Jennifer is a teacher who has dedicated her life to children and helping others. Earlier this year, a cancer diagnosis and treatment used all her sick and disability time. Recently, she was diagnosed with a secondary cancer and is receiving chemotherapy. She is currently not able to work and has no income. Gift cards for gas, groceries or help with bills would help get her through this tough time.

Dara, a wife and mother of three children (one with special needs), has breast cancer and is unable to work. Walmart gift cards would help her purchase groceries and needed household items.

Emily, a single mother of two teenagers, was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Gift cards to Russ’s Market and Walmart would help her buy food for her family. She could also use Dick’s Sporting Goods gift cards to purchase items for her teens.

Margaret is a young mother with three young children who is battling cancer. Her husband is the sole provider and has taken substantial time off to care for her and the family during her long hospital stays. They would be grateful for anything to ease their financial burden, such as grocery gift cards or help with bills.