United Way of the Midlands to Celebrate MLK Day with Two Special Volunteer Events
On Monday, January 19, United Way of the Midlands (UWM) will celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with two National Day of Service-focused events in collaboration with several community partners.
The first event of the day will be held at The Venue at the Highlander, 2120 N. 30th Street, Omaha, from 10 – 11:15 AM. During the event – presented by UWM’s Good on the Go program and sponsors HDR, KPMG, Liberty Packaging and NP Dodge – 64 community volunteers will assemble 2,000 snack pack kits for the Heart Ministry Center. The number of volunteers was selected to correspond with the passage of the Civil Rights Act in 1964. Following the Good on the Go project, participants will enjoy the 4th Annual MLK Day Luncheon, provided in partnership with Big Mama’s Kitchen and Catering, Rib Shack Smokehouse and Black Men United.
“We are delighted to see so many people coming together in service and to share a meal in honor of Dr. King,” said Shawna Forsberg, president and CEO, United Way of the Midlands. “And we are thankful for the leadership of our Board member, Gladys Harrison, president and owner of Big Mama’s Kitchen & Catering, and the team at Nebraska Medicine and University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) in bringing this day to life.”
For the second event of the day, 85 volunteers from Nebraska Medicine and UNMC will participate in a Good on the Go event to assemble 1,000 mindfulness kits for Charles Drew Health Center and OneWorld Community Health Center from 11 AM – Noon at the Truhlsen Campus Events Center at UNMC, 619 S. 42nd St., Omaha. Following the kit build, participants will enjoy lunch provided by Nebraska Medicine and UNMC.
“As we recognize MLK Day of Service, I’m reminded of how powerful it is when our community comes together to support one another,” said Shanda Ross, director of community impact, Nebraska Medicine. “Our partnership with United Way of the Midlands helps us extend that impact to the community we serve. Service is how we honor Dr. King’s legacy, and I’m grateful for everyone who joins us in strengthening our community. We are community strong!”
For additional information on both MLK Day events, go to: UnitedWayMidlands.org/MLKDay.
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About United Way of the Midlands: Since 1923, United Way of the Midlands (UWM) has served the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro by bridging the business and not-for-profit sectors and raising money to support our community’s most impactful health and human service programs. UWM’s funded programs and direct services – like 211 and JAG Nebraska – focus on four key areas to improve health and well-being for all, build financial stability and strength, help young people realize their full potential and address urgent needs today to advance a better tomorrow. Learn more at UnitedWayMidlands.org.
Media Note: Members of the media are invited to attend both events and conduct interviews on-site. Additional information will be provided via a media alert on Sunday, Jan. 18.