New name, outreach for Big Give

McCOOK, Neb. – The seventh annual Big Give on Nov. 2 will look a bit different this year with a new logo, a new website and Facebook page and most notably, a new name: Southwest Nebraska Big Give. But the 24 hours of giving still serves the same purpose: to help area non-profit organizations meet their financial needs.

Formerly known at Big Give McCook, the switch to Southwest Nebraska Big Give happened to reflect better the organizations already part of the annual day of giving. For the past several years, organizations from Curtis to Cambridge to Stratton were already part of Big Give McCook. With the new name, the Community Chest committee, which oversees the Big Give, hopes sponsors and donors throughout Southwest Nebraska will also feel more included in the important annual event.

The 2023 Big Give could also see a record number of non-profits represented, which are all listed on the new Big Give website, swnebbiggive.org. Over the next month leading up to the Big Give on Thursday, Nov. 2, all participating organizations will be highlighted in weekly news stories.

First up is perhaps the biggest category of organizations: those benefiting our young people. TeamMates, started by former Nebraska football coach Dr. Tom and Nancy Osborne, is represented in four communities including the Teammates Mentoring Program of McCook, TeamMates of Cambridge, TeamMates of Southern Valley and the Maywood TeamMates chapter. TeamMates matches young people in at least 4th grade with an adult volunteer to help build a positive relationship with a student to help them reach their full potential.

Several area schools are also represented. St. Patrick Elementary in McCook has been active with the Big Give since its inception in 2016. Others organizations include the Medicine Valley Public Schools Foundation, Southwest Public Schools Foundation and Little Village Daycare in Stratton.

The Big Give website is up-to-date with information about each organization, including upcoming projects. The website will also list all the in-person giving stations and power-hour locations. And follow Big Give on Facebook at Southwest Nebraska Big Give leading up to the Nov. 2 event and throughout the day for current totals and activities.

Donations will only be accepted online from midnight to midnight on Nov. 2, but bookmark the Southwest Nebraska Big Give website to prepare for one of the most important days of the year for McCook and Southwest Nebraska.

Sponsors of the Southwest Nebraska Big Give are the Graff Charitable Foundation, MNB Bank, First Interstate Bank and Community Hospital.