Thanksgiving is the time when we reflect on our lives and express appreciation for all the blessings we experience. As we gather around the table with family and friends, it is a good time to pause and think about others who are less fortunate. Over 2000 people are homeless every night in Omaha, NE and there are many charities that support, and feed them. The charities that assist the homeless also help others who are struggling for many reasons. These charities need additional donations during this time of year so please donate your time or money to help others during this years spirit of giving.
Siena/Francis House Homeless Shelter
Siena/Francis House offers separate shelters for men, women and children. The women and children’s shelter offer 40 emergency shelter beds nightly. The men’s shelter has 220 beds available and overflow is available for additional men on mats. Siena/Francis also caters to homeless veterans to show respect for their service. The shelter offers food and clothing for the needy as well as employment training courses. Siena/Francis accepts daily donations from the community to assist the operation of the facility. Please make a donation at http://www.sienafrancis.org/,or reach them at (402) 341-1821. They are located at 1702 Nicholas St. Omaha, NE 68102.
Nebraska Kidney Foundation
This special organization works to raise awareness of kidney disease through health screenings, education, and emergency financial aid. The Nebraska Kidney Foundation has been serving the state of Nebraska for almost 50 years. Over 15,000 people need a kidney transplant in the United States and 13 die each day while waiting for a transplant. This important organization also assists family members and patients with understanding the process of transplants, dialysis and living donor assistance. Please make a donation at http://www.kidneyne.org/donate-today,or reach them at 402-932-7200. They are located at 11725 Arbor Street, Suite 210, Omaha, NE 68144.
Nebraska Urban Indian Health Coalition
Nebraska Urban Indian Health Coalition provides substance abuse treatment, health assistance, elderly assistance, transitional living, and transportation to their community. The coalition was founded in 1986 by an Intertribal group of Native Americans. They provide care to a community of over 11,000 patients. The staff consists of family practice physicians, nursing staff, nurse practitioners, counselors, therapists and support staff. The community around Omaha receives services including nutritional counseling, primary care, health education, domestic violence intervention and lab facilities. Please make a donation at http://nuihc.com/, or reach them at 402-346-0902. They are located at 2240 Landon Court, Omaha, NE 68102.
The Food Bank For The Heartland
The Food Bank for the Heartland has been servicing the Omaha area since 1981. In the first year they distributed over 38,000 pounds of food to the community. As of the end of fiscal year 2013, they service 285 food pantries with over 12.5 million pounds of food. The Food Bank added a new program in 1993 called Kid’s Café, which provides meals to low-income children. There are over 21,000 people in the Omaha area that need food assistance each week. The Food Bank For The Heartland states that 19 percent of the families they service are homeless. Please donate at http://www.omahafoodbank.org/, or reach them at 402-331-1213. They are located at 10525 N J Street, Omaha, NE 68127.
Putting the Giving in Thanksgiving
As we draw closer to the Thanksgiving holiday season please take a moment to think about those less fortunate. If we ban together then we can truly make a difference for these families in need. Please share the spirit of giving with all the people you encounter this holiday season.
