Big Give Groups Span Wide Range of Programs

By RONDA GRAFF

MCFF

McCOOK - For a community to grow and thrive, all types of organizations are needed. Over the past two

weeks, nearly two dozen non-profit organizations involving youth and elderly as well as project-based

groups have been profiled for the Nov. 7 Southwest Nebraska Big Give.

Next up are the groups that provide services for both ends of the spectrum in a community’s services,

from non-profits that offer day-to-day services for the resident’s most in need to the arts and culture

organizations that produce the special projects that add color and creative to a community.

Among those which have participated in the Big Give since its start are some of the most vital to a

community’s most-in-need residents. Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska works with

those in need of financial assistance for a variety of services.

Also providing help to our community members most in need is Domestic Abuse/Sexual Assault

Services and the ABC Pregnancy Help Center. The Salvation Army is another long-term member of

the Big Give and one of its most recognizable, with its fund-raising coming during the bell ringing during

the holiday season.

And helping our area’s younger people in need is Prairie Plains Court Appointed Special Advocates

(CASA), which provides trained volunteers to assist those working their way through the court system.

Switching gears, several organizations work to bring the arts, entertainment and education to the

community.

One of McCook’s newest non-profits, the McCook Community Kitchen brings cooking and nutrition

classes and events for people of all ages. The group is also hosting the el Día de Muertos or Day of the

Dead on Nov. 2 at the High Plains Museum.

Another relatively new non-profit but which occupies some of McCook’s oldest buildings is the Sixth

Floor Project/ArtBank, showcasing both local and national artwork at both locations, along with hosting

special events.

The McCook Art Guild has been operating in McCook for decades and continues to highlight artists and

their artwork from around the area, along with providing art classes throughout the year.

The McCook Arts Council has also been a mainstay of McCook for decades and works to connect,

promote and fund arts and culture in the community by providing grants for projects such as the school

art programs and community events such as Third Thursdays.

And finally, the Norris Institute has diversified its focus in recent years. The group continues to shine a

light on the thoughts and teachings of Sen. George W. Norris at such events as the Norris Breakfast

during McCook’s Heritage Days but established Norris Alley between the Fox Theater and Keystone

Business Center to provide a place to gather with friends and neighbors and engage in conversations to

make Norris proud.

The Southwest Nebraska Big Give is Thursday, Nov. 7, with donations accepted from midnight to

midnight. More than 40 organizations are taking part in the one day of giving, raising funds for

operational costs to special projects.

Special thanks to the sponsors which provide the matching funds for power hours and bonus funds,

including Graff Charitable Foundation and MNB Bank and Community Hospital and First Interstate Bank

and many more.

More information about all the groups in the Big Give can be found at swnebiggive.org. The Southwest

Nebraska Big Give is organized by McCook Community Chest, which is a sub account of McCook

Community Foundation Fund, an affiliate of the Nebraska Community Foundation.

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Jan. 2026 Volunteer of the Month Devoted to Church and Community

By Ronda Graff • January 22, 2026

To kick off the new year, Jo Beebe has been selected as the January 2026 McCook Volunteer of the month. While many people might know Jo for her years at the Sports Shoppe, she can be found giving hours of her time to the community, especially at St. Patrick Church. Whether during the weekly Mass or for a funeral or wedding, Jo shares her beautiful voice from the choir loft, as well as leading the choir members. Jo, along with her husband Harold, also has served as the St. Pat’s GALA host couple in the past and continues to help with set-up and cleanup of the annual event. Jo is also active with the Fall Festival, the Rosary Rally and the Wild Game Feed in Curtis every year. She attends every the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults class and helps students prepare for confirmation. And since retiring from the Sports Shoppe, she is active in the Altar Society, and volunteers at the Bargain Bazaar thrift store. According to her nomination, “The way Jo gives of her time and talents to our parish and community is a reflection of her faith,” and the community and the church are better because of her generosity. The McCook Philanthropy Council selects the monthly recipient for the McCook Volunteer of the Month award as part of the McCook Community Foundation Fund’s McCook Volunteer program. If there is a volunteer in the community who should be recognized, please contact the McCook Chamber of Commerce at 308.340.3200 or visit McCook Volunteers on the MCFF website, mccookfoundation.org to complete a nomination form. The only requirement is that the nominee must be a resident of McCook or Red Willow County. Please have information about the nominee along with where and how they volunteer in the community.