United Way of the Midlands announced today it has partnered with Kellogg Company to provide a fun, engaging event for families who have been directly affected by spring flooding in Omaha and surrounding communities in Nebraska and Iowa.
The event will take place at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium on Nov. 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
United Way of the Midlands will invite families from schools most affected by the flooding for a day of entertainment and provide access to bulk food and other much-needed supplies to support families still feeling the impact of the flooding. The March flooding displaced more than 4,400 people in the Omaha and Iowa region, and many people are still working to recover.
“Though floodwaters have subsided in some areas, many Nebraskans and Iowans are only just beginning to rebuild their homes, lives and communities,” said Heather Tomczak, director of community impact at United Way of the Midlands. “Recovery is a long-term project – and it can be very emotionally trying for those affected.”
Event activities will include face painting, goodie bags, a photo booth, refreshments, coupons for concessions and appearances by Kellogg’s characters. Local organizations involved in long-term relief will also be on hand to ensure families have needed resources available to them all in one space, while providing a fun day for their children. Online retailer Boxed, which has a strong local presence, will also be on hand to distribute arts and crafts materials for kids to use.
“It’s important to help these families meet their basic needs – and that includes having a chance to take a breath, relax and hopefully have a lot of fun,” Heather added. “We are greatly appreciative of Kellogg and Boxed for making this event possible – it should be a fantastic time for everyone who attends.”
“Kellogg is a company with a Heart and Soul, which is why we’re pleased to partner with United Way and sponsor this event,” said Stephanie Slingerland, Director of Philanthropy and Social Impact at Kellogg Company. “Our Kellogg’s Better Days global purpose is to create Better Days for 3 billion people by the end of 2030. We hope the families who visit the zoo have a fun, engaging experience.”
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium’s Animal Ambassador program is anticipated to be a highlight of the event. The program allows attendees to enjoy an up-close encounter with one of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium’s very own residents and keeper. Kellogg Company Fund, the charitable arm of the Kellogg Company, is funding the event.
Media interested in covering this event should contact Brayton Hagge, Manager, Communications, at bhagge@uwmidlands.org or (605) 661-2137.
About United Way of the Midlands
United Way of the Midlands (UWM) has served the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro for more than 95 years. Guided by best practices and community input, it approaches poverty in a specific way – a “united” way. With the support of volunteers, community partners and donors, UWM invests 92 cents of every donated dollar in our local community. These dollars fund basic needs, education and financial stability programs at local nonprofits, creating a circle of support for people in need. Please visit unitedwaymidlands.org for more information.
About Kellogg Company
At Kellogg Company (NYSE: K), we strive to enrich and delight the world through foods and brands that matter. Our beloved brands include Pringles®, Cheez-It®, Special K®, Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes®, Pop-Tarts®, Kellogg’s Corn Flakes®, Rice Krispies®, Eggo®, Mini-Wheats®, Kashi®, RXBAR®, MorningStar Farms® and more. Net sales in 2018 were approximately $13.5 billion, comprised principally of snacks and convenience foods like cereal and frozen foods. Kellogg brands are beloved in markets around the world. We are also a company with Heart & Soul, committed to creating Better Days for 3 billion people by the end of 2030 through our Kellogg’s® Better Days global purpose platform. Visit www.KelloggCompany.com or www.OpenforBreakfast.com.
About Boxed Founded in 2013, Boxed has redefined the wholesale shopping experience with its innovative, multi-platform approach, giving consumers direct-to-their-door access to all of their favorite warehouse club products. Boxed brings convenience and savings to on-the-go consumers who don’t have the time, means, or patience to shop at a brick-and-mortar big box club, all with no membership fees. The brand’s discovery-based design recreates the fun of the treasure hunt experience with a curated selection of everyday essentials that consumers love, including household staples, health and beauty supplies, office pantry items, groceries, and a wide variety of organic and green products. Boxed’s award-winning private brand, Prince & Spring, a collection of ultra-high quality everyday essentials, is one of the fastest-growing online private brands in the nation and has quickly become a fan favorite.
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