Volunteers gearing up for Southwest Nebraska Big Give

McCOOK, Neb. — Residents will have a chance to get to know all of the organizations involved in the Southwest Nebraska Big Give at a volunteer fair today, 5 to 7 p.m., at the McCook City Auditorium.

The event is in anticipation of the main event, starting at midnight tonight, when residents have a 24-hour opportunity, Thursday, Nov. 7, to make a difference through the Southwest Nebraska Big Give.

Formerly known as Big Give McCook, this annual event invites community members to support their favorite local nonprofits and learn about others contributing vital services across the region. With both online and in-person giving options, the event aims to unite Southwest Nebraskans' passions and generosity with the hard-working nonprofits in their communities.

Event Details and Power Hours

Donations are accepted from midnight to midnight on Nov. 7, with online contributions available throughout the day at swnebiggive.org. In-person donations are also welcome at designated bank and community locations in McCook and Cambridge, with each hosting special “Power Hours” for extra incentive. These hours include exclusive bonus funds distributed to nonprofits based on giving levels during these times. Donation locations and their Power Hours are as follows:

•First Central Bank, McCook: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Power Hour at 8 a.m.

•First Interstate Bank, McCook: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Power Hour at 3 p.m.

•First State Bank & Insurance, Cambridge: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Power Hour at 2 p.m.

•Hillcrest Nursing Home, McCook (Drive-Thru): 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Power Hour at 11 a.m.

•Horizon Bank, McCook: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Power Hour at 10 a.m.

•MNB Bank, McCook: 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., Power Hour at 1 p.m.

•Pinnacle Bank, McCook: 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., Power Hour at 12 p.m.

•Waypoint Bank, Cambridge: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Power Hour at 2 p.m.

•YMCA, McCook: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Power Hour at 7 p.m.

How Donations Are Processed

All online donations are processed by the Firespring Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that re-grants 96.1% of each donation to the specified organization, retaining a small fee for transaction costs. Donors may opt to cover this fee so that 100% of their contribution supports the chosen charity.

For online donations, tax receipts are sent immediately by email, and donors can retrieve a duplicate from the website if needed. For in-person or mailed donations, receipts are issued directly by the receiving nonprofits.

Who’s Eligible and How to Participate

Verified 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving the counties of Dundy, Furnas, Hayes, Hitchcock, Frontier, and Red Willow are eligible to participate. Private foundations, political, governmental, and primarily religious organizations, except those that provide community programs, are excluded. Participation costs are supported by a small charge to cover website maintenance.

Community Support for a Better Future

The Southwest Nebraska Big Give, coordinated by the McCook Community Chest under the McCook Community Foundation Fund, relies on the combined efforts of local nonprofits and the wider community. Donors support a vibrant local charity network with every contribution, from youth programs to healthcare initiatives. This one-day giving event demonstrates the generosity of the Southwest Nebraska community and aims to make a lasting impact.

For more details on how to participate or donate, visit swnebiggive.org.