The 2025 Southwest Nebraska Big Give is nearly here. On Thursday, Nov. 6, donations will be

accepted from midnight to midnight for 45 non-profit organizations benefitting McCook and

Southwest Nebraska.

There are a lot of “mosts” when talking about the upcoming one-day of giving. It is the most

number of organizations participating since the event began in 2016. The day has the most

number of power hours available throughout the day with a new hour dedicated to online giving

during the day. The day has the most number of in-person giving stations with several new

locations in neighboring towns.

And the day has the most number of activities to celebrate the event and encourage donations,

including soup in Stratton and hamburgers in Indianola. In McCook, a soup-er bowl competition

will be Thursday, Nov. 6 from 5-7 p.m. at McCook Christian Church on West 5th and B Streets.

All of the non-profits have been asked to make a roaster of soup with the winner chosen by

those attending and receiving an extra $100. It is also a great chance to learn more about the

organizations, while making a donation and receiving what will likely be great offerings of soup.

And the McCook Creative District is hosting a listening-room concert at the Pour Farm, 416

Norris, at 7 p.m. with singer-songwriter Jeff Black performing for a free-will donation.

More information about all these events, along with the list of giving stations, power hours and

organizations involved, can be found on the Big Give website, swnebiggive.org.

But what could be the most important “most” is yet to happen and it isn’t likely what most people

think.

Every year, the most common question asked is “did you raise the most number of funds?”

And yes, this number is important because all of the organizations involved in the Big Give need

our support. We want to raise the most dollars for these groups so they can keep their doors

open and the lights on, as well as take on projects in the community.

But an even more important “most” - at least to me - is the overall number of donors. At the end

of day, I would like the Big Give to see the most number of individual donors.

The Big Give usually receives around 1,000 donations, but many of those are multiple donations

from the same person or business so that number is actually misleading.

So in reality, that number should be much higher by simply looking at the numbers. McCook has

a population around 7,400 people. Red Willow County hovers around 10,400 residents. And the

Southwest Nebraska counties likely reach around 30,000. In theory, we should be able to easily

double the number of donors to the Southwest Nebraska Big Give.

Now, I know that we can’t expect every single person to donate. Age factors in; we’ll let babies

off the hook. Personal finances are a huge issue, especially with economics facing people

today. And while there is a wide variety of groups involved, maybe they don’t tickle your fancy

like another group which isn’t involved that needs your financing.

And others choose to not donate because they don’t feel like their donation will make a

difference.

But that is the great thing about the Big Give. Every dollar matters. Every donation matters. It all

adds up and is important for these organizations, which are working day-in, day-out to make a

difference in their communities. They are preserving our history. They are housing our animals.

They are providing social and physical support. They are helping those in most of need of

assistance just to get through the day.

There are so many reasons to be involved in the Big Give. You are supporting the non-profits

which are critical to our communities. You are making a difference with your donation. And

ultimately, we know it is better to give than to receive.

If you are reading this and thinking, I can’t get to a giving station or I don’t want to give online,

please reach out to the Community Chest volunteer organizers at 308-345-4240 because they

can get you a form and an envelope. They’ll even send someone to pick up your donation

because they are that passionate about this event. My fellow committee members are going to

love reading this to see I am volunteering them.

And did I mention you get a sticker if you make a donation? You just can’t have too many

stickers, especially when that sticker represents doing something that makes your community a

better place to call home.