Stephen Center Celebrates Valentine’s Day with Hearts that Heal Drive for Donations
With the help of community partners, Stephen Center (stephencenter.org/hearts) is celebrating Valentine’s Day by encouraging the public to show some love to the homeless through the Hearts that Heal donation drive, February 8-19. Some of the items that Stephen Center needs donated are paper towels, toilet paper, over-the-counter medications (ibuprofen, acetaminophen), cough drops, coffee, cereal, feminine-hygiene products, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes.
“We’re in the long, cold part of winter right now,” said Stephen Center Executive Director Michael Wehling. “Stephen Center relies on donations of hygiene items, coffee, cereal, and more to care for hundreds of people on our campus daily.”
Located in South Omaha, Stephen Center serves the homeless, addicted and those in poverty. The campus includes a homeless emergency shelter, inpatient/outpatient co-occurring treatment and permanent supportive housing for disabled and low-income individuals. In 2020, Stephen Center provided services to 1,278 men, women and children and served more than 200,000 meals to people experiencing homelessness, addiction and poverty. To participate in the donation drive, drop off items at Stephen Center’s donation dock, 2723 Q St., or at a drive host site (visit stephencenter.org/hearts for a list). A virtual drive, allowing people to shop from home and ship directly to Stephen Center, is also available at the same link.