During the holiday season, Heartland United Way provides necessities, gift items, and food vouchers to individuals experiencing extraordinary needs through three programs – Holiday Toy Program, Holiday Adopt a Family Program, & Christmas Cheer. The Heartland United Way works closely with our community, local school social workers, United Way community partners, and the US Marine Corps & their Toys for Tots program to make these programs possible.
Individuals who wish to be a part of our Holiday Adopt a Family Program must get a referral and complete the online only application to be considered. Many area churches also help refer individuals to the programs. If you do not have an existing relationship with a local church or social worker at one of the qualified referral locations, call the Heartland United Way office at (308) 382-2675 for assistance.
Individuals looking to apply for Christmas Cheer Food assistance must apply online using the link below, and be located in Hall County.
Each year, our organization is able to serve the referred individuals and families because of the generosity of our community members and the assistance of local businesses.
Heartland United Way Toy Drive & Toys for Tots Distribution
Heartland United Way works to serve Hall, Hamilton, Howard, and Merrick County families. Locally, this Holiday Toy Program provides holiday gift assistance for children age 12 and under whose parents are not financially able to provide gifts for them during the holidays. This program is not meant for providing additional toys.
Parents whose children are accepted into the program will receive a letter/voucher to “shop” for their child’s gift from the donated items after December 6th. The goal is to collect enough items so each child will receive one toy, a stuffed animal, and a book or game. The Heartland United Way served 2,018 children in 2023.
Donations of new, unwrapped toys and gently-used books or stuffed animals are collected starting in November 2024. Please drop off donations of new, un-wrapped toys at the Heartland United Way office (1441 N Webb Road, Grand Island).
Holiday Adopt A Family Program
To adopt a family for the holidays or provide monetary support for this program, contact the Heartland United Way office at (308) 382-2675, or complete this form. *Adopters must be located in Hall, Hamilton, Howard, or Merrick Counties in Nebraska.
All families must be referred or nominated by a social worker, church or other agency.
Christmas Cheer
Heartland United Way's third holiday program is Christmas Cheer. Christmas Cheer was established in 1910 to provide a helping hand to local families during the holidays. A volunteer board operated this program, and in 2024 the Heartland United Way continues to carry on this tradition. This program provides a grocery voucher for a holiday meal to Hall County people & families in Need.
If you would like to provide monetary support for this program, donations can be made at Home Federal Bank or Heartland United Way. Thank you for your support!
