Groups work to improve quality of life in McCook

McCOOK, Neb. -- The final two non-profits in the 2019 Big Give McCook are both filled with volunteers who are passionate about making McCook a better place for everyone. The McCook Community Foundation Fund and Habitat for Humanity are among the 29 non-profit organizations taking part in the quickly approaching 24-hours of giving Thursday.

MCFF continues to work toward its mission of creating a vibrant, inclusive community in McCook and Southwest Nebraska. Since its inception in 2001, MCFF has granted more than $300,000 to local organizations and community projects as a way to nurture innovation, provide economic and educational opportunities, promote quality community leadership, and assist cultural arts and healthy families and lifestyles.

This past year alone, projects have ranged from the McCook High School’s FFA program to develop a grow-house with hydroponics to the renovation project in the lobby of Hillcrest Nursing Home. This year alone, MCFF will donate more than $70,000 in grants benefiting the youth, the elderly and everyone in between.

MCFF oversees several local scholarships for graduating seniors and is active with young leaders in the community through the Youth Change Reaction and McCook Leadership. MCFF also oversees nearly two dozen sub-accounts for local organizations including the Community Chest, the McCook Toy Box and the YMCA.

Southwest Nebraska Habitat for Humanity also works to give back by working with people in need to build and renovate decent, affordable houses. Serving the counties of Frontier, Furnas, and Red Willow, Habitat for Humanity then sells those houses to those in need at no profit and with no interest charged. Volunteers provide most of the labor and individual and business donors provide money and materials to build. Partner families (future home-owners) invest hundreds of hours of labor “sweat equity” into building their homes and the homes of others. Their mortgage payments go into a revolving fund that is used to build more homes.

SWNHFH tries to build a new home every other year, as long as funds are available. On the “off“ years, the organization does home repair projects to help low-income homeowners who struggle to maintain their homes due to limitations related to income, age, disability, or other circumstances.

Through Home Repair projects, homeowners are able to work side-by-side with Southwest Nebraska Habitat for Humanity to restore their home with pride and dignity. The program brings together volunteers who put their values to work helping homeowners in need. The end result are homes that are safe and maintained, homeowners who are able to continue to occupy their homes, and renewed neighborhoods.

As the fourth annual event quickly approaches, MCFF is proud to have helped develop Big Give McCook alongside the Community Chest committee. MCFF continues to feel both Big Give McCook and the Community Chest are vital to a successful, supportive community.

The MCFF Advisory Committee members feel Big Give McCook is a great way for everyone to have the chance to give - and support - their local charities and non-profit organizations. For more information about Big Give and follow the tally board Thursday, visit biggivemccook.org.