The University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Public Relations Student Society of America collected $1,200 and several boxes of pet supplies in its 10th annual Santa Paws fundraiser supporting Hearts United for Animals. The event was held Dec. 4 at the Bookworm.
Members of UNO’s PRSSA group took photos of pets on Santa’s lap, printed the photo on site and turned it into a holiday card for a fee of $25 or two photos for $35. The event also included a donation drive for Hearts United for Animals. Among the donated items were Gerber baby meat sticks, hard chew toys, soft treats, blankets, towels, adjustable collars, leashes, laundry soap, bleach, paper towels and trash bags.
Hearts United for Animals is a national no-kill shelter, sanctuary and animal welfare organization.
Other fundraisers, donations, other charitable efforts in the Midlands include:
Excel Physical Therapy donated 53,218 diapers for the annual Channel 94.1 Diaper Drive in December.
Diaper drive: Excel Physical Therapy donated 53,218 diapers to the annual Channel 94.1 Diaper Drive that benefits the homeless women and children of the Lydia House in Omaha. For the past 14 years, Excel’s clinics have collected diapers from their patients and team members in November and December. After the collection, Excel’s owners match that amount. This year, the Excel team collected a record 26,609 diapers and, after their owner’s match, a total of 53,218 diapers were donated to the Lydia House.
Family Christmas: Catholic Charities said that 313 families, 710 individuals and 45 senior adults were “adopted” for Christmas this year. Parishes, schools, businesses and individual families purchased gifts for families in need from the family enrichment programs at Catholic Charities St. Martin de Porres Center and Juan Diego Center locations.
Individuals, church and organization donations came from: St. Vincent de Paul, St. Stephen the Martyr, St James, St. Pius X, St. Stanislaus, St. Charles, St. Columbkille, St. Robert, St. John Vianney, St. Margaret Mary, St. Joan of Arc, Holy Cross, St. Wenceslaus, Christ the King, St. Thomas More parishes as well as TD Ameritrade, the Catholic Voice and National Indemnity.
Blood drives: The American Red Cross needs donors with all blood types for blood donations. Those who give blood through Jan. 8 will receive a long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last. Blood drive locations this week include:
Omaha
Tuesday: Noon to 6 p.m., Boys & Girls Club of the Midlands-Westside Unit, 1414 Robertson Drive
Wednesday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Good Samaritan Society Millard, 12856 Deauville Drive; 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Great Western Bank, 12670 L St.
Saturday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., St. Michael Lutheran Church, 13232 Blondo St.; 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Remington Heights, 12606 West Dodge Road
Bellevue
Wednesday: Noon to 6 p.m., National American University, 3605 Summit Plaza Drive; 12:30 to 6:30 p.m., Bellevue Public Library, 1003 Lincoln Road
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Bellevue Public Library, 1003 Lincoln Road
La Vista
Thursday: Noon to 6 p.m., La Vista Public Library, 9110 Giles Road
For more information about how to donate, go online to redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-733-2767 to make an appointment or for more information.
