A holiday food basket begins with a simple act of generosity.
A donation from a local business. A contribution from a family. Volunteers spending their time packing boxes and organizing deliveries. By themselves, these acts may seem small. Together, they provide holiday meals for hundreds of families throughout western Douglas County.
That collective spirit has been at the heart of the Holiday Food Basket Program for more than 45 years. Each year, Christian Outreach Program of Elkhorn (COPE) and the West O Chamber of Commerce, partner with community members, organizations, churches, schools, and businesses to ensure local families can enjoy a special holiday meal during the season.
The families served through this program live in Elkhorn, Bennington, Valley, Waterloo, and Yutan. They are our neighbors, coworkers, calssmates, and friends. While every family’s circumstances are different, the Holiday Food Basket Program helps ease the burden of holiday expenses and provides an opportunity to gather around the table and celebrate together.
Each basket includes a holiday meal along with additional food and household essentials. Community food drives provide many of the items that fill each basket, while monetary donations allow us to purchase fresh foods and complete holiday meals for every household we serve. Every contribution, regardless of size, helps make that possible.
When you give to the Holiday Food Basket Fund, your donation stays right here in our community. If you would like to support the Holiday Food Basket Program, please donate online at the link below. Donations can also be mailed to COPE at PO Box 177, Elkhorn NE 68022-0177, with “Holiday Food Basket” noted on the memo line.
COPE is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and 100% of donations designated for the Holiday Food Basket Fund will be used to support the program.
This program is made possible not only through donations, but also through the dedication of volunteers. This year’s packing day will be held on Friday, December 18, with deliveries taking places on Saturday, December 19. If you are interested in volunteering, we would love to have you join us. Please contact the COPE office at 402-616-2330 or email help@copefo.org.
Thank you for being part of a tradition that brings people together and strengthens our community!
With gratitude,
The 2026 Holiday Food Basket Committee
