Willard Community Center

Empowering Youth to Make a Pawsitive Impact!

We are incredibly grateful to Youth Service America and The Hershey Company for selecting Willard Community Center as a recipient of a $500 grant in support of our after-school programs at Lakeview and Roper Elementary! Thanks to . . .

Big Thanks to UNL's Strive to Thrive Students!

A huge thank you to Strive to Thrive Lincoln for taking the time to learn more about the Community Center and our Early Childhood Programs. We are so grateful for their interest, energy, and for volunteering their time . . .

Another Wonderful Donation from To The Brim Communities

We’re so grateful to receive another meal donation from To The Brim Communities ! Their continual generosity brings fresh ingredients and healthy meal options to those in need, making a real difference in our community. Thank you for . . .

Scout's Honor: Spreading Kindness One Meal at a Time!

✨ A Huge Thank You to Boy Scouts Pack 55! ✨ We are so grateful to Cub Scout Pack 55 for their generous food donation to our Blessings Box! Your kindness and community spirit are making a real difference in the lives of those in need. . . .

Grateful for an Amazing Anonymous Gift!

"Wow! A huge THANK YOU to the generous person who anonymously donated a Wii, accessories, and games! Your kindness will bring so much joy and fun to others. We truly appreciate your generosity!

Our Hearts Are Warm, Even as the Meals Are Frozen!

We’re feeling so grateful today for another wonderful frozen meal donation from To The Brim Communities ! Their generosity continues to nourish both bodies and hearts in our community. 💕 With each meal shared, we're reminded . . .

Community, Connection, and Care—Thank You for an Amazing Pal-entine’s Day!

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who came out to support the Schroder Park Wellness Campus and joined us for a Pal-entine’s Day Lunch! Your presence, kindness, and community spirit made the event truly special. A special shoutout . . .

To The Brim Communities Donates Frozen Meals, Continuing Their Generous Support for Our Community

Thank you To The Brim Communities for another generous donation of frozen meals! Your continued support means the world to us, and we are so grateful for the difference you're making in our community.

Clothing Donations Essential to Programs

Thank you to the LeBaron family for their thoughtful clothing donation to our Early Childhood Program. Having extra clothes on hand is so essential for our little learners as they explore, play, and grow each day. Whether it’s a messy . . .

To Infinity & Beyond Grateful to the Hernandez Family

We are beyond grateful to the Hernandez family for their incredible donation of toys, books, and dress-up outfits! The kids are absolutely over the moon and so are we for your generosity! Thank you for thinking of Willard and our . . .

Generosity in Action: Free Meals Available!

We're feeling pretty spoiled over here as we received another wonderful food donation from To The Brim Communities . Thanks to their kindness, we have plenty of meals available for anyone in need! If you or someone you know could . . .

Thank You, Micek Family!

Big shout-out to the Micek family for their toy donation! We know the kids are going to love these new treasures.

Freezer Full, Hearts Fuller! Thanks, To The Brim Communities!

Our freezer is officially full! Big thank you, To The Brim Communities for another super generous donation. If you know anyone who could use a little extra help with meals, send them our way- we've got plenty to share! . . .

You’re All That and a Bag of Corn! Thanks, To The Brim Communities!

Oh, shucks! We’re feeling ear-resistibly grateful to To The Brim Communities for another a-maize-ing food donation. Thanks for stalk-ing up on kindness and reminding us all how sweet it is to give back!

Swinging into Fun: Thank You, Jim Ager!

The Lakeview CLC after-school program had a "tee-rific" time on Friday, January 17, learning the fundamentals of golf with members from the Jim Ager Golf Course. Thanks for helping us "putt" smiles on their . . .

Grateful for the Gift of Play!

A huge THANK YOU to the Matzner Family for their generous donation of such fun and exciting toys for our Early Childhood Program! The children are already thrilled, and we know these will bring so much joy and love for years to come. . . .

FNIC's Timely Donation Brings Warmth to Lincoln Ahead of the Storm

With a snowstorm on the horizon, the FNIC Group Lincoln office's timely donation of winter weather gear couldn't have come at a better time and is greatly appreciated. Thank you for helping to keep our community warm!

Community Member Helps Rebuild

Our Blessings Box and Free Little Library got a small face-lift over the holiday! Thank you, community member Andy, for replacing the doors on our Blessings Box and Free Little Library. With winter approaching, these improvements . . .

Lincoln Community Foundation - Lincoln Forever Fund Supports Willard with $7,500 Grant

Willard Community Center is thrilled to announce the receipt of a $7,500 grant from Lincoln Community Foundation - Lincoln Forever Fund. This generous support will be used to help general operating costs. We are incredibly grateful to . . .

Driving Innovation: UNL Husker Racing Team Inspires STEM Learning

Thank you to the UNL mechanical engineering students from the Husker Racing Baja SAE team for sharing their expertise with the Lakeview CLC Students! This off-road vehicle is one of the impressive designs they’ve engineered, built, . . .

Grateful for Ongoing Support: To The Brim Communities Donates Meals to Adult Program

To The Brim Communities ended our week with another amazing meal donation for the adult program. We are deeply grateful for their ongoing support and dedication to our mission! #CollaborateforGood

Stronger Together: Non-Profits Supporting Non-Profits

When organizations come together, incredible things happen! Thank you, Mystic Rhoads Productions for donating art supplies, warm clothing items, and snacks for us to distribute to the community. Today we're celebrating the power of . . .

Preserving Memories: Eagle Scout Creates Display Case for Willard's History

December 17, 2024

Thank you, Spencer Krenk! We are grateful you chose Willard as the focus of your Eagle Scout Project. Spencer built a beautiful display case in our reception area to house decades of photo albums and cherished memories, giving our . . .

Digitech Systems Donates Toys to Families in Need

A huge THANK YOU to Digitech Systems employees for their incredible generosity this holiday season! Your donation of toys will bring joy and smiles to so many families. This is the second year that Digitech Systems has donated . . .

A Heartfelt Thank You - Winter Wonderland Community Event

To everyone who joined us and the Schroder Park Wellness Campus at the Winter Wonderland community event on Tuesday, December 10, we are so grateful for your presence and holiday cheer! From the laughter of children to the twinkle of lights, . . .

To The Brim Communities Donates Food to Adult Program

We are incredibly grateful! To The Brim Communities generously donated 18 frozen meals and bags of English muffins for our adult program. Your kindness and support make a meaningful difference in the lives of the seniors we serve. . . .

Thank You for Supporting Early Childhood Education

Willard Community Center is honored to be selected by the City of Lincoln-Lancaster County Joint Budget Committee to receive $100,000 in funding for our Childcare Assistance Program. These critical funds will be used to retain dedicated . . .

Willard Receives $14,562.27 for General Operational Expenses

We are thrilled to announce that Willard has been awarded $414,562.27 in general operational funding through the Lincoln-Lancaster County American Rescue Plan Act Non-Profit Funding Grant. This grant provides critical resources to . . .

Spreading Joy Through Thoughtful Gift Giving

We are so incredibly grateful for the thoughtful anonymous donation of craft supplies! These supplies will bring so much joy and creativity to the kids as they dive into fun and imaginative projects. We can't wait to see the amazing . . .

Giving Thanks for a Generous Community

This season of gratitude, we want to give a huge thank you to the ROUGHRIDERS for your generous donations to the Blessings Box! Your kindness embodies the true spirit of community and giving. Together, we’re spreading hope and joy . . .

Educational Materials Donated to Preschool Classroom

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the individuals who generously donated educational materials and learning manipulatives valued at $291.63 to our preschool classroom. Your kindness and support are truly appreciated!

Engine 13 Visits Preschool & Pre-k

On Friday, November 8, the Lincoln Fire & Rescue Engine 13 for stopped by our Early Childhood Program. We had a blast learning about their awesome fire engine and all the cool jobs they do. Even though we had to wrap up a . . .

Willard Receives Memorial Donation in Honor of Sally Brunott

Sally (Schaffert) Brunott passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on August 20, 2024. Sally attended Willard programming while in elementary school and returned to Willard in High School to work as a staff member. Before her . . .

ROUGHRIDERS Motorcycle Club Donates $1,000

On Thursday, October 31, at 5:30 p.m., you could hear the purr of the engines as the ROUGHRIDERS motorcycle club made their way to the Willard Community Center. The group presented and donated $1,000 to Willard. ROUGHRIDERS . . .

Annual Trunk-or-Treat: 900 Attendees

The 3rd Annual Schroder Park Wellness Campus Trunk-or-Treat had 900 attendees on Friday, October 18. The event was from 6:30-7:30 PM with fantastic weather. We are so thankful for everyone who had a trunk at the event, brought their . . .

$670 Raised for Aging Adult & Senior Program

Our second annual Porch & House Plant Sale brought in $670 for the aging adults and senior citizen program. All the plants were originally donated and propagated throughout the year. Thank you to our donors, Ms. Janelle . . .

Give to Lincoln Day Raises $6,115.33

Give to Lincoln Day Raises $6,115.33 for the Willard programs! Thank you to all of our donors who continue to be an advocate for Willard. We are honored to receive your gift and appreciate your continual support!

LES Brings the High Voltage Demonstration to Willard

Today's educational experience: Lincoln Electric System (LES) demonstration with the High Voltage Presentation. All the Willard kids thoroughly enjoyed our guests, learning about high-voltage safety, and especially seeing the . . .

Thank You for the School Supply Donations!

We are so grateful to receive any donations that come through our door. So, thank you to the individual who anonymously donated a box of brand-new school supplies. We appreciate your generosity and promise to put it all to good use!

Celebrating Willard's Volunteers

It's #NationalVolunteerWeek , and we want to give a shout-out to all who have volunteered with Willard. We are so thankful for you. The difference you make is monumental!

Lincoln Fresh Helps Willard Families Receive Produce Too

We love that the Food Bank of Lincoln, Lincoln Fresh Produce Truck, parks in front of Willard every other Tuesday from 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM, allowing our kids to receive fresh fruits and vegetables to take home! 🍉🌽🍊🍠 We are thankful to . . .

Willard Receives $2.817.61 Donation

Thank you, the anonymous group that donated $2,817.61 to Willard Community Center. The donation will be used toward community engagement and events. We appreciate this group's generosity!

Thank You, Gala Sponsors!

We are incredibly grateful to two local businesses sponsoring A Glamorous Gala night out. Thank you, TAB Performance, for your Champagne Level Sponsorship, and Union Bank & Trust for your Crystal Level Sponsorship. If you are . . .

CLC Makes Birdhouses

The Lakeview CLC participated in the Big B.A.D (Build and Design) Birdhouse Project with Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center Each student made and decorated their own birdhouse! How TWEET is that? We know the birds will love . . .

Community Members Help Raise $1,930

Willard is gracious for the $1,930 supporters donated at the end of 2023 for our programs. Donations included: $20 from the Peterson Family for childcare expenses $60 from the Larson Family $500 from the Woods Family . . .

UNL Student Leadership Engage Lincoln Program Volunteers to Paint at Willard

On Monday, February 26, fourteen UNL students and Assistant Director of Community Engagement Andrew Brown volunteered to paint walls at Willard. The group focused on the second-floor blue and yellow walls. The group communicated which . . .

Local Business Donates a Vast Amount of Paper to Willard

We are overwhelmed with the generosity of Joe Christensen, Inc., a local business, who contacted Willard about a paper donation. Unfortunately, the business is ceasing operations, but the family wanted to give back to the community and . . .

Boy Scouts of America Spends PLC Day with Lakeview CLC

The Lakeview CLC core program had a fantastic time on the last PLC day that focused on Scouting Day; they were able to experience many new skills and learn about being in the wild. Archery- how to shoot a bow & arrow. Fishing- . . .

Local Family Generously Donates Gently Used Toys

Thank you to the Matzner Family, who donated bags and bags of gently used toys. We are overwhelmed with your support of our programs and such a bountiful gift. Donation items included: 🩵Masks & Costumes 🩵Dramatic . . .

Help Us Keep the Blessings Box Full this Winter Season

Donated items may also be dropped off at Willard during normal business hours, and we will replenish the Blessings Box if it is full.

Willard Receives Donation of 6 iPads, Chargers, and Charging Dock

Willard received a surprising and unexpected donation of six iPads from LI-COR Biosciences. Ivan Johnson also donated six chargers and a charging dock for the iPads. The iPads will be used in the early childhood program. The . . .

Linked2Literacy Hosts Free Book Fair at Lakeview CLC Program

Thank you, Linked2Literacy, for hosting a free book fair at the Lakeview CLC program. Each Lakeview CLC student got to choose two books to take home.

Money, Labor, and Time All Donated to Update Preschool's Storage Closet

We are incredibly thankful to Mr. Ivan Johnson who donated his labor and the 15 hours it took for him to build and update the preschool closet. Lincoln Industries graciously donated $220 for the materials. . . .

Annual Golf Tournament Raises More than $6,500 for Willard Programs

Sponsors, donors, golfers, and volunteers have once again outdone their giving power. Thank you for helping us raise over $6,500 for Willard's programs! This year's 19th Annual Kenny & Pam Gardner "It Was Fun" . . .

Foundation for Garden Shed Concrete and Labor Donated by Lincoln Community Businesses

The Community Garden now has a garden shed! Thank you to James Hamlette from Ready Mixed Concrete for donating the concrete for the shed's foundation and Jereme Montgomery from Stephens and Smith Construction for donating the . . .

Willard Receives Pallet of Water from John Henry's

September 29, 2023

John Henry's graciously donated a pallet of water to the Willard Community Center. We are looking forward to helping to distribute the water to our community! Thank you to everyone at John Henry's for continuing to think of Willard!

Caleb Schwab Completes Eagle Scout Project at Willard

On Saturday, September 9, 2023, BSA Troop 55 Scout Caleb Schwab completed his Eagle Scout project with the help of volunteers. Caleb set up a GoFundMe page to help purchase materials for the archway that leads into the community garden. . . .

Plant Sale Fundraiser Brings In $760

The first annual Porch & House Plant Sale brought in $760 for the aging adults & senior citizen program. All the plants were originally donated and propagated throughout the year. Thank you to our donors, Ms. Janelle . . .

Willard Receives Day-End Dough-Nations from Panera Bread

Willard Community Center is thankful for Panera Bread's Day-End Dough-Nations giving back program. Through the program, Willard receives all leftover bread and bakery items each Tuesday night. We can offer the bread and bakery items to . . .

Nebraska Game and Parks Brings Animals to Lakeview CLC

Lakeview CLC kids had the opportunity to interact with live animals through the Nebraska Game and Parks, which brought the animals for Project Wild Club. What an incredible experience for the kids! Thank you, Nebraska Game and . . .

Hopping Into Spring with Schroder Park Wellness Campuses 'Egg'stravaganza

Thank you, Healthy Blue Nebraska, for your sponsorship of the Campus event and to all the organizations who donated items and set up informational tables. Even though it started out as a cold and windy morning, some Bunnies . . .

Origami Art Exhibit

From 4:30-6:30 PM, participants from the Origami and the Art of Paper Folding class held an open Art Exhibit on Friday, March 31. The Origami artists showed what they learned in class by the instructor, Linda Stephen. Participants took . . .

Strive to Thrive Lincoln Visits Willard

UNL College of Business Students - Strive to Thrive - visited Willard's Early Childhood Program. Willard has been selected as a top 12 finalist for a $5,000 grant. We were honored to share our story with these individuals! . . .

Lincoln Fresh - Produce Truck Returns!

Beginning Tuesday, April 4, and every other Tuesday until the end of June, the Lincoln Fresh - Produce Truck will return at Willard. Look for the bright truck in our south parking lot from 10:30-11:30 AM. This amazing . . .

Troop 55 Donates New Toolbox

Thank you to BSA Troop 55 for the toolbox donation! As the picture indicates, we were in much need of upgraded tool storage! We appreciate Troop 55 and Pack 55's service to Willard and the community. Willard is proud to be Troop 55 . . .

Northeast YMCA Donates 71 Swimsuits to Willard Summer Program

Willard is incredibly thankful to receive 25 swim trucks and 46 swimsuits for the summer program from the Northeast YMCA. Having extra swim gear during the summer is vital to our kids enjoying their afternoons at the pool. The . . .

Local Donors Give $1,130

Willard is beyond grateful to receive donations from 8 individuals and families totaling $1,130. With these gifts, Willard will continue to be able to focus on our agency's purpose and provide the care, programs, and projects that are . . .

To the Brim Communities Donates Frozen Meals to Adult Programs

Willard Community Center is honored to partner with To the Brim Communities to provide our adult programs with free frozen meals. To the Brim Communities collects meals from catering companies and restaurants to distribute to . . .

Jim Ager Golf Instructors Visit Lakeview CLC Program

Thank you, Jim Ager Golf Course , for spending the afternoon with our Lakeview CLC program. The kids had a blast learning how to hold and swing a club.

Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Donates $1,000 for COVID Support

The donation of $1,000 is meant to defray some of the additional expenses due to COVID-19. Willard Community Center is encompassed with gratitude to the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska's thoughtful donation. Even two years after the . . .

Early Childhood and Aging Adults & Senior Programs Make Holiday Memories

The groups came together to sing holiday songs and decorate gingerbread houses. This special activity is sure to be one that all groups remember. We are thankful for the donated gingerbread kits from Mourning Hope Grief . . .

Lincoln South Rotary Club Donates $1,000

The Lincoln South Rotary Club graciously chose Willard Community Center to receive $1,000 to purchase rubber tire mulch for the preschool play area at Willard. In 2022, two Ash trees were removed after being deemed unsafe in the play . . .

Willard Honors Russell Williams

Willard Community Center Holds Memorial Dedication in Honor of Russell Williams. On September 14, 2022, a memorial dedication was held in honor of Mr. Williams, who passed away in 2018. Mr. Williams supported the work of Willard Community . . .

Willard Receives $3,790 from Give to Lincoln Day Donors

Thank you to all the Give to Lincoln Day donors that chose to support Willard on May 26, 2022. Because of your donations, we received $3,790 to support the summer programs!

Black Hills Energy Volunteers Read and Create with Willard's Summer Program

On June 21st, eight volunteers from Black Hills Energy took time out of their day to read and create under the sea sensory bottles with the school-age summer program. A huge shout out to United Way of Lincoln and . . .