Media Alert: August 8, 2023
Who: Hundreds of community members assembling nearly 5,000 Shine Bright Kits for students in the Omaha, Council Bluffs and Papillion La Vista school districts, plus JAG Nebraska students across the state.
Why: Currently, thousands of students throughout our community are lacking essential hygiene items like
soap, shampoo, conditioner, clean clothes and dental products – impacting their health, academics and
confidence. Each Shine Bright Kit contains the full-sized hygiene items these students need to feel good
and succeed in the classroom and in life.
What: Shine Bright is a partnership between United Way of the Midlands (UWM); Omaha, Council Bluffs and Papillion LaVista Public School Districts; JAG Nebraska and others. With the community’s support, Shine Bright partners will distribute the completed boxes to kindergarten, sixth- and ninth-grade students in need throughout the participating school districts.
Shine Bright is possible thanks to Supporting Sponsors: Google and the Mid-America Center, along with
Community Sponsors: Baker’s Supermarkets, City Ventures, Election Systems & Software, Lincoln
Financial Group, Penske, Wellabe and Werner.
When: Wednesday, August 9, 2023
9 a.m. – Noon, 1 – 3 p.m.
Where: Mid-America Center – South Entrance
1 Arena Way
Council Bluffs, IA 51501
Interview/Photo Opportunities:
- 9 a.m. – Noon
Volunteers assembling Shine Bright Kits - 11:15 a.m. – Noon
Stephanie Hoesing, Supervisor of Social Work for Omaha Public Schools
Matt Wallen, SVP of Community Investments and Programs, United Way of the Midlands - 1 – 1:30 p.m.
Tim Hamilton, Chief of Student Family Services for Council Bluffs Public Schools
If you’d like to set-up an interview, please contact Carmen Steele at 402-452-7089.