The spirit of giving is in the air at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE). On Dec. 8, more than 140 BCBSNE employees reported to Omaha Hy-Vee and JC Penney locations to ring bells for the Omaha Salvation Army.
The Salvations Army’s Annual Red Kettle Campaign is one of their largest initiatives. Nationally, more than six million people are provided essential goods such as food and warm clothes, as well as toys to spread joy during the holiday season.
BCBSNE employees Nicole Olson and Kelly Patton were posted at Hy-Vee on 132nd and Dodge. The ringing of their bells was matched by their laughter.
As one shopper tucked her donation into the iconic red kettle, she noted that it was already quite full. Nicole responded, “It’s a good problem to have,” as other shoppers added their donations. A testament to how giving Nebraskans are.
BCBSNE’s commitment to serving Nebraska communities is not contained to just the holiday season. We participate in the United Way of the Midland’s Day of Caring and distribute Fearless Grants to organizations and schools across Nebraska. Our commitment to the communities we serve and our high level of employee engagement has been recognized across the state. BCBSNE recently received the Corporate Community Volunteer Award. We were nominated by the United Way of the Midlands for our employees’ commitment to making positive change in the lives of those living in poverty.
The spirit of giving continues with BCBSNE’s involvement in the Salvation Army’s Adopt a Family campaign, where employees will shop, wrap and deliver gifts to 60 families and seniors in the Omaha metro area at Christmas.
And next year, we’ll be out ringing bells again for the Salvation Army, it’s what we do.