Valentine, Nebraska – A collaborative effort is underway across three counties in central Nebraska to support individuals, homeowners, ranchers and farmers reeling from recent wildfires. Hospitals in Rock, Brown, and Cherry counties have joined forces to collect both cash donations and much-needed hay for those impacted by the blazes, a testament to the strong community bonds in the Sandhills region.
The initiative, spearheaded by Rock County Hospital’s relatively new “Partners in Life” program, aims to leverage the trust local residents place in their healthcare providers to maximize support. The fires have caused significant damage to pastureland, fencing, and livestock, creating an immediate and ongoing need for assistance. The effort isn’t just about immediate relief. it’s about helping these rural communities rebuild and recover their livelihoods. Understanding the scale of the disaster, organizers are accepting donations through May 1st, with the online funding link remaining open until grasslands recover.
Walter Mauch, a spokesperson for Rock County Hospital, explained the strategy. “We have created a great motivator for potential donors by placing a trusted local face on the project,” he said. The campaign encourages donors to designate their contributions to one of the three counties – Rock (RC), Brown (BC), or Cherry (CC) – by noting it in the memo line of their check. Residents of Keya Paha County are as well welcome to choose which hospital they wish to support.
Supporting Ranchers and Farmers Through Direct Donations
Cash donations are being accepted through the Sandhills Area Foundation, located at 103 North Cedar Street in Valentine, NE 69210. Donors can also contribute online by clicking the “Donate Now” button on the foundation’s website. All cash donations are tax-deductible, and the foundation will provide receipts for tax purposes. The Sandhills Area Foundation has a long history of supporting local initiatives and ensuring funds are distributed effectively. According to their website, they’ve been serving the region since 1980.
Beyond financial contributions, the need for hay is critical. Ranchers have lost grazing land, and providing supplemental feed is essential to maintaining livestock health. Danielski Trucking is handling the transportation of donated hay to the areas of greatest need. Donations of hay should be delivered to Danielski Trucking at 633 West Highway 20 in Valentine. John Johnson can be contacted at 308-280-0259 to coordinate delivery, and a tractor and operator are available on-site to unload the hay. Danielski Trucking is also generously offering to transport fencing supplies and lick tubs at no cost, recognizing the widespread damage to infrastructure.
A Five-Way Partnership for Maximum Impact
This relief effort represents a significant partnership between Rock, Brown, and Cherry County Hospitals, the Sandhills Area Foundation, and Danielski Trucking. The collaboration allows for a more coordinated and efficient response to the disaster. “By your efforts with our partners, People can do more with your donations,” organizers emphasize. The hospitals are framing the effort as a friendly competition, encouraging residents to support “their” hospital and contribute to its success in the donation drive.
The wildfires impacting these communities are part of a broader pattern of increasingly frequent and intense wildfires across the Great Plains. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, wildfire activity has been increasing in recent decades due to factors like climate change and drought conditions. These conditions create a higher risk of ignition and rapid fire spread, putting rural communities like those in central Nebraska particularly vulnerable.
How to Contribute and Stay Informed
Here’s a summary of how to aid:
- Cash Donations: Mail checks to Sandhills Area Foundation, 103 North Cedar Street, Valentine, NE 69210, or donate online at www.sandhillsareafoundation.com (click “Donate Now”).
- Hay Donations: Deliver hay to Danielski Trucking, 633 West Highway 20, Valentine. Contact John Johnson at 308-280-0259 to coordinate. Fencing supplies and lick tubs are also welcome.
- Donation Tracking: Write “Fire Rescue” followed by your county initials (RC, BC, or CC) in the check memo.
Walter Mauch can be reached at 402-684-2991 with any questions about the donation drive. As the region looks toward recovery, the outpouring of support from neighbors and community members will be crucial in rebuilding lives and livelihoods. The hope, as Mauch put it, is simple: “Let’s pray for rain.”
The Sandhills Area Foundation will continue to accept donations online even after the May 1st deadline, maintaining the funding link on their website until the land begins to recover and natural grasses return. This long-term commitment reflects the understanding that the recovery process will extend far beyond immediate relief efforts.
If you or someone you know has been affected by the wildfires and needs assistance, please contact your local county emergency management agency or the Sandhills Area Foundation for information on available resources.
We encourage readers to share this information with their networks and consider contributing to this vital effort. Your support can create a real difference in the lives of those affected by these devastating wildfires.
