Done-In-A-Day Spring Events Continue Advancing Mission of Building a Better Community In Varied Ways
The Junior League of Omaha Done-in-a-Day Committee wrapped up a successful year, with several Spring events.
In January, the DIAD Committee provided volunteers for a blood drive in memory of Bob and Kathy Joyce, the late parents-in-law of League member Katy Joyce.
Katy Joyce was particularly appreciative of the League volunteers. "It was so helpful to have League members there the day of our Red Cross Memorial Drive," Katy Joyce said. "They sped up the check-in and registration processes, manned the snacks canteen, provided support for the staff, as well as checked on donors throughout the day," she said.
Kathy Joyce was a member of the Lincoln and Omaha Junior Leagues, and her mother Gail was a past president of the Junior League of Omaha, marking generations of League involvement coming together at the event. The blood drive led to 43 blood donations, with the potential to impact 129 lives.
Youth Emergency Services
Also in January, four DIAD Committee members participated in a volunteer opportunity with Youth Emergency Services (YES). The League women toured the YES day shelter in midtown and prepared a meal for homeless youth who visit to the facility.
The Rose Theater
In February, the DIAD Committee organized for 11 JLO volunteers to assist at a member appreciation day at The Rose Theater. The event showcased past productions and previewed the upcoming season for members of The Rose Theater, giving attendees a look at "Newsies," which was performed in June 2018. The League volunteers helped with coat checks, passed out refreshments and snacks, and participated in crafts with kids.
"For me personally, DIAD has been a great placement, because it has allowed me to learn more and get involved with other organizations around Omaha that I would not have been aware of before," said Alicia McCormick, the DIAD member who led The Rose Theater event. "It is always something new, fun and exciting."
Done-in-a-Day seeks to provide opportunities for League members to live out the mission of "women building better communities" by assisting other community organizations in the metro through concentrated, short-term projects.
Melissa Carlberg, Done-in-a-Day chair, offered her appreciation to the committee for working to fulfill this mission.
"Thank you to the Done-in-a-Day Committee members who coordinated a variety of shifts for our members this year," Carlberg said. "We had great feedback from each of the opportunities, which gave dozens of our members a chance to learn more about other nonprofits in the Omaha area through hands-on service. I particularly enjoyed getting to help at the Micah House this past fall, and came away with a better understanding of the life-changing services provided for families who are in need of emergency shelter."
The Done-in-a-Day Committee is always looking for new partner organizations. If there are events in which you would be interested in participating or organizations that you know need volunteer support, email doneinaday@jlomaha.org.