Community Action Partnered with QP Ace Hardware for Give Warmth x 1,000

During the harsh winter months, as temperatures continued to drop, guests began coming to The Gathering Place, Community Action’s (www.communityactionatwork.org) soup kitchen at 1448 E St., not only for a hot meal, but also refuge from the cold.

“It became clear this past winter that our guests were needing more than a hot meal,” said Lisa Janssen, Gathering Place administrator.

That’s when QP Ace Hardware (QP Ace) stepped in. Reaching out via QP Ace’s Buyer, Trixie Koch, the hardware store offered to partner with Community Action to provide at-cost warming kits of hats, socks, and gloves to the agency, for distribution to Gathering Place guests and other program participants. Each high-quality kit would cost just $10.

Lincolnites got on board to help instantly. In just three weeks, over 4,400 community members contributed over $7,700 toward this cause. They rounded up their donations at QP Ace, gave directly to Community Action, and some even contributed handmade mittens and hats.

They certainly managed to do so through Give Warmth x 1,000. Thanks to funds raised, an estimated 770 individuals will obtain new items to wear during chilly weather.

As for how Gathering Place guests felt about the generosity? Janssen said the campaign’s success couldn’t be quantified. “Guests couldn’t believe that so many community members were willing to rally around them. Everyone was so excited to hear that people cared. We can’t stop saying, ‘Thank you.’”

Community Action’s mission is to empower people living in poverty to reach economic stability. To learn more about Community Action’s programs and services, including those provided at The Gathering Place, visit www.communityactionatwork.org.