EVENTS
Join us at our upcoming events
learn more about United Way and how YOU are making a difference!
Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive
Saturday, May 9, 2026
We are proud to partner with the National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 5, the Omaha Federation of Labor AFL-CIO and the United States Postal Service in asking the public to donate nonperishable food items to help feed individuals facing food insecurity in our community.
Letter carriers will collect nonperishable food donations that are bagged and left outside by 8 a.m. on Saturday, May 9. All collected food will be delivered to Heartland Family Service, Salvation Army, Siena Francis House, Stephen Center, Heartland Hope Mission and St. Vincent de Paul for distribution to families and individuals seeking food assistance.
Parades
Saturday, May 16, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. – Cinco de Mayo Booth
Saturday, June 13, 10 a.m. – Juneteenth Parade
Saturday, July 18, Noon – 5 p.m. – Heartland Pride Booth
Saturday, August 22, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Dundee Days Booth
Monday, September 7, 10 a.m. – Labor Day parade
Show your community spirit by volunteering with United Way of the Midlands at local parades! Help us create a fun, welcoming experience while supporting local programming that makes a lasting impact across our region.
For more information and to sign up to volunteer, visit our Volunteer Opportunities page.
Tocqueville Women’s Initiative Luncheon honoring Annette Smith
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Omaha Country Club
The Suzanne Scott Giving from the Heart Award was created to honor Suzanne Scott. Every two years, the award is presented to a woman in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan area who demonstrates the thoughtful and philanthropic qualities evident in Sue – her drive to care, inspire and act. This year, we celebrate Annette Smith.
This event is open to only those members of the Tocqueville Women’s Initiative group. For more information, contact events@uwmidlands.org.
Campaign Kickoff
Thursday, August 20, 2026
7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Scott Conference Center
To celebrate the caring spirit and generous support of the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro – we are excited to kick off United Way of the Midlands’ 2026-27 campaign, chaired by Paul and Julie Maass of Scoular.
applied underwriters golf tournament
Thursday, August 26, 2026 | 7:30a.m
Shadow Ridge Country Club
We’re honored to be the local beneficiary of this world-class tournament presented by a company deeply rooted in our community. Applied Underwriters continues to show what it means to give back locally — with heart, purpose, and pride in their hometown of Omaha, Nebraska.
This event supports United Way’s mission to help local families meet basic needs and achieve long-term stability. Funds raised through this event strengthen a network of essential services for the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro.
Campaign Kickoff 2026
Monday, August 24, 2026 | 7:30 a.m.
Scott Conference Center
7:30a.m. – Continental Breakfast
8 – 9 a.m. – Program and Panel Discussion
Signature days of service
be a part of something bigger at our community-wide volunteer events
National Volunteer Week
April 18-24, 2027 | Corporate and nonprofit partners across the metro
National Volunteer Week celebrates the impact of volunteer efforts and the power of community. During this week we hold five Good on the Go events, one for each weekday, to provide agency partners with the essentials they need. Volunteer opportunities at nonprofit partners throughout the metro are also posted, so individuals can come together in the spirit of service to make an impact during the full month of April, which is Global Volunteer Month.
Shine Bright
July 28-31, 2026 | Mid-America Center
Volunteers help assemble nearly 5,000 hygiene kits with full-sized items that are distributed to public schools throughout
the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro, and to Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) classrooms across Nebraska.
winter warm-up
November 7, 2026 | Gifford Park elementary school
The Winter Warm-Up project was created following a request from Omaha Public Schools (OPS) to partner with United
Way of the Midlands to address the need they were seeing for sustainable winter gear for a number of their students.
HOLIDAY HELPERS
November 1 - December 30, 2026 | Nonprofit locations across the metro
Each year from November – December, Holiday Helpers showcases the reason for the season by supporting agency
programs during a critical time of year through supply drives, volunteer projects and more.
Day of Caring
September 11, 2026 | Nonprofit locations across the metro
A single day of service where individual volunteers and volunteer teams spend their day making a difference at local
nonprofits to fulfill a variety of needs – from painting, meal service and yard work to everything in between.
National Volunteer Week
April 18-24, 2027 | Corporate and nonprofit partners across the metro
National Volunteer Week celebrates the impact of volunteer efforts and the power of community. During this week we hold five Good
on the Go events, one for each day, to provide agency partners with the essentials they need! Volunteer opportunities at nonprofit
partners throughout the metro are also posted, so individuals can come together in the spirit of service to make an impact during the
full month of April, which is Global Volunteer Month.
Save the date
Mark your calendar for these Upcoming United Way of the Midlands Events
Annual Meeting
Monday, October 19, 2026
11a.m. Coffee & Networking
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Luncheon
CHI Health Center
Our Annual Meeting celebrates the impact we’ve created together – made possible by partner organizations and individuals who have gone above and beyond to show their care for community by supporting UWM and the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro.
Blue Collar Boxing
Friday, December 11, 2026
6 p.m. Doors Open
7 p.m. Event Begins
Baxter Arena
The Omaha Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO and United Way of the Midlands (UWM) are excited to host the annual Blue Collar Boxing event. Proceeds will directly benefit the important work of UWM and the Nebraska Center for Workforce Development and Education.
For more information and/or to become a sponsor visit the Blue Collar Boxing page.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
Monday, January 18, 2027
10 a.m. – Volunteer Project – “Good on the Go” followed by lunch provided by Big Mama’s
75 North
Join us for a Community Good on the Go where 64 community partner volunteers will come together to assemble Good on the Go snack kits for a local nonprofit. The number of 64 volunteers was specifically selected to represent the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Nobel Peace Prize he was awarded the same year. The Good on the Go will be followed by a meal from Big Mama’s.
2027 Blue collar boxing
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2026 | 7 p.m.
Baxter Arena
As a sponsor of Blue Collar Boxing, you’ll join the Omaha Federation of Labor AFL-CIO and United Way of the Midlands in their commitment to make a difference and strengthen our community. All proceeds from the event benefit the Nebraska Center for Workforce Development and Education and United Way of the Midlands. These organizations help community members meet their essential needs and take care of their families, adapt to coming out of a correctional setting, obtain post-secondary support and training to secure jobs and so much more!
DAY OF CARING
FRIDAY September 12, 2025
Nonprofits locations across the metro
A single day of service where individual volunteers and volunteer teams spend their day making a difference at local nonprofits to fulfill a variety of needs – from painting, meal service and yard work to everything in between.
campaign kickoff
August 28, 2025 | 7:30 - 9 AM
Scott COnference Center
We are excited to kick off United Way of the Midlands’ 2025-26 campaign, chaired by Jeff and Lisa Russell of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska.
You won’t want to miss this unique opportunity to come together with others who share your commitment to making a difference – while hearing inspiring stories from the panel of how your care for community is impacting the metro.
Volunteers united lunch & learn
October 2
Join us for a special lunch & learn to network with members of Volunteers United and hear from panelists Carole Kinlow, CEO & Founder at Carole’s House of Hope, and Kimberly Kolakowski, Executive Director at Firefly.
Tocqueville society Prospect event
Thursday, November 13, 2025
Town hall space | Blue cross and blue shield of nebraska
Join 2025 Campaign Chairs Jeff and Lisa Russell to learn about United Way of the Midlands’ Tocqueville Society and the significant impact it makes in our community.
For more information, contact Liz Christensen at lchristensen@uwmidlands.org.
Blue Collar Boxing
December 12, 2025
Baxter Arena
Blue Collar Boxing is an exciting and competitive fundraiser that features local labor union members fighting against each other in the ring. Anyone can buy a ticket to see local union members fight at the Baxter Arena. All proceeds from the event go to United Way of the Midlands and the Nebraska Center for Workforce Development and Education.