When people think of the YMCA, it traditionally involves fitness classes, the swimming pool or youth sports.
But to make those things - along with many other activities - happen, the YMCA is like many other organizations and institutions in needing computers just to function. The McCook YMCA was one of the Fall 2020 grant recipients from the McCook Community Foundation Fund with the $2,000 grant used to upgrade computers.
The next MCFF grant deadline is quickly approaching with applications for the spring 2021 grant cycle due by Thursday, April 1. Applications will be considered in mid-April with the final announcement in early May.
The YMCA was among the half dozen grants approved last fall when more than $40,000 distributed. At the YMCA, the laptops hadn’t been replaced in many years yet are used on a daily basis to form soccer teams, to create adult volleyball schedules or to plan swimming lessons for all ages. The laptops are just one tool used by YMCA staff to serve the needs of the community, YMCA Executive Director Mitch Gross said.
“In order to be productive and efficient in their roles,these new computers will aid our staff in producing new content for programs and activities, membership recruitment, and marketing/promotions,” Gross said. “It is through these processes that our organization will be able to impact our community through increased involvement in leading healthy and active lifestyles.”
Other grants awarded last fall included Norris Institute for the development of Norris Alley, $25,000; Cultivate Rural Leaders to form the second class of the McCook Leadership group, $3,000; McCook Toy Box for gifts during the holiday season, $1,000; Community Hospital Health Foundation for the Heart-to-Heart Campaign, $2,500; and McCook Public Schools for the third annual Bison Days to take place in May 2021, $4,000.
MCFF distributes grants twice a year, each spring and fall, with more than $100,000 available annually to organizations and individuals who are working to make McCook an even better place to call home.
A complete list of previous grant winners is available on the MCFF website, mcookfoundation.org, along with an application form and more information about MCFF.
McCook Community Foundation Fund is an affiliated fund of the Nebraska Community Foundation.
Sara Rippen named February 2026 McCook Volunteer of the Month
Practicing Good Stewardship Takes Effort But Reaps Many Rewards
Bison Days brings high schoolers and community members to learn about job possibilities but also interests and hobbies in their hometown.
With little to snow on the ground in McCook, holiday lights help beat the drab and dreary season.
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.
Master Storyteller Will be Missed but Memories Remain
Maintaining the status quo or not doing anything may be cheaper initially but long-term, the costs are more.
Make 2026 memorable by getting involved and making an impact in your community.
As the year comes to a close, members of the MCFF Advisory Committee share "why" they do their community work.
