As the Nebraska State FFA Convention draws near, scheduled to take place next week in Lincoln, FFA chapters throughout the state are diligently showcasing their unwavering commitment to community service. Among them, the Exeter-Milligan-Friend FFA Chapter has embarked on a meaningful initiative designed to support families awaiting life-saving organ transplants at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) in Omaha.
Each winter, the Exeter-Milligan-Friend FFA Chapter coordinates a gift card drive that encourages community involvement and compassion. This effort aims to collect gift cards that can be immensely helpful for families who have relocated to Omaha, often at a moment’s notice, to be by the side of a child undergoing a critical organ transplant.
“We place collection tubs at various local businesses and in school offices, enabling community members to donate gift cards for services like Starbucks, Scooter’s Coffee, Walmart, and Uber,” explained Amy Kohtz, the chapter’s advisor. “These contributions provide essential support to families who have had to uproot their lives during such a challenging time.”
Beyond the act of collecting gift cards, FFA members engage in the vital task of personally delivering these donations to UNMC in January. This experience facilitates direct interaction with families who benefit from their generosity, allowing students to gain insight into the real-world impact of their service.
“We not only deliver the gift cards, but we also visit with families affected by our outreach, which may include making and delivering tie blankets,” Kohtz noted. “This provides students with a life-changing perspective, emphasizing the reach of their efforts beyond our local community, as families coming to UNMC for transplants often travel from all over the country. Our initiative serves as a beacon of hope in challenging situations.”
Kohtz underscores that community service is an integral aspect of the FFA experience, fostering a sense of civic duty among students. “It is crucial for our students to engage with the community they may one day return to,” she emphasized. “Understanding that a community’s strength lies in collaborative support is essential, whether or not they remain in this area. They need to learn the importance of civic engagement and the value of serving others.”
As Exeter-Milligan-Friend FFA members prepare to compete and learn at the forthcoming state convention, their dedication to service remains a steadfast priority. Their actions exemplify that FFA transcends agricultural education, embodying a broader mission of fostering community spirit, compassion, and making a lasting difference in the lives of others. The chapter’s ongoing efforts not only provide practical assistance but also serve as a model for civic responsibility and empathy among its members and the wider community.
