Ketvs Community Support And Free Programs In Omaha

The provided source material offers limited information specifically about KETV freebies in the traditional sense of product samples, promotional offers, or mail-in sample programs. Instead, the data primarily focuses on KETV's involvement in community initiatives, particularly back-to-school programs and events in the Omaha area. This article will examine the available information about KETV's community involvement and free programs while acknowledging the constraints of the source material.

KETV's Back-to-School Initiatives

KETV is actively involved in supporting the Omaha community through various back-to-school programs. One of the most significant initiatives mentioned is the Salvation Army KETV 7 Can Help Kids Back-to-School Backpack Program. This program collects new school supplies to support local students in preparing for the new school year.

The backpack distribution is scheduled for specific dates: - Omaha: August 8-9, 2025 - Council Bluffs: Pre-registration is required, with registration details available on the Charles E [source incomplete]

The program operates with a limit of one backpack per student, while supplies last. Donations can be dropped off at select locations including Methodist Health System, Metro Credit Union, Cubby's, and Salvation Army facilities.

Another KETV-supported initiative is the Annual Salvation Army Backpack Drive, which took place on August 9th from 10am-1pm in the NE parking lot of Westroads Mall (10000 California Street, Suite 1221, Omaha, NE). This event provided free backpacks to students, though quantities were limited.

SHARE Omaha School Supply Drive

In partnership with 18 local nonprofits, SHARE Omaha has launched a school supply drive encouraged by KETV. This initiative runs from July 1st to August 15th, 2025, with support from Wells Fargo. The drive aims to collect supplies needed for 6,500 students in the greater Omaha metro area. All collected items will be distributed to local learners through the participating nonprofit organizations.

Additional Back-to-School Events in Omaha

Beyond KETV's specific initiatives, several other free back-to-school events are available to Omaha families:

Back to School Store - Families can register their children for time slots to shop in the Back to School Store for free - Each child receives a backpack and school supplies - Parents have the opportunity to win gift cards - Location: King of Kings – 11615 I St, Omaha, NE

Back to School ISPY Sensory Bin - Date: August 2nd - Time: 11:00am - Cost: FREE - Description: A DIY back-to-school themed sensory bin adventure where participants can scoop colored rice, hunt for school supplies and bus erasers, and spell words with scrabble tiles - Note: Events are first-come, first-served while supplies last - Location: The Learning Express – 120 Regency Pkwy, Omaha, NE 68114

Chase & Skye's Back to School Bash - Dates: August 2nd-4th - Cost: Included with admission - Description: A family fun weekend event featuring Chase and Skye at the Omaha Children's Museum - Location: Omaha Children's Museum – 500 South 20th St, Omaha, NE 68102

Kids Workshop: DIY Whiteboard - Date: August 3rd - Time: 9:00am-12:00pm - Cost: FREE - Description: A monthly workshop for kids hosted by Home Depot - Note: Home Depot hosts workshops for kids on the first Saturday of each month

KETV's Community Storytelling

While not directly related to free product samples, KETV has demonstrated commitment to community storytelling through coverage of inspiring local stories. One notable example is the coverage of Alex Simpson, a Nebraska girl born with a rare condition called hydranencephaly, which means she was born with virtually no brain.

According to medical professionals, Alex had only about half the size of a pinky finger in the back of her cerebellum. Despite being told she was unlikely to live past four years old, Alex celebrated her 20th birthday on November 4th, 2025. KETV was present for both her 10th and 20th birthday celebrations, documenting her journey and highlighting her family's story of resilience and faith.

Alex's parents, Lorena and Shawn Simpson, have shared how their daughter's condition has affected their family. Her younger brother, SJ, has become an advocate for his sister, often researching her condition to better understand how to support her.

Omaha's Community Resources Beyond KETV

While KETV plays a significant role in supporting Omaha's back-to-school needs, other community resources are available:

DJ's Dugout Sports Bar - A locally and Vietnam Veteran-owned establishment with 7 locations throughout the Omaha metro area - Features over 50 HD TVs, projection screens, and large media display walls - Offers a family-friendly environment with a menu including "Fresh... Never Frozen" 1/2 pound premium Angus beef burgers, wings, steaks, sandwiches, nachos, and more - Provides party rooms for groups, business meetings, and celebrations - Daily food and drink specials

Omaha Zoo Memberships - Online gift memberships are available, functioning similarly to generic gift cards - Gift memberships are purchased for specific price levels (e.g., household membership) - The recipient receives a PDF membership card via email that can be printed or forwarded - The redemption occurs at Guest Services at the zoo's main entrance during the recipient's first visit - Gift memberships purchased online begin when the recipient redeems them - Gift memberships purchased in person or by phone begin on the date of purchase - Adjustments to memberships must be submitted at least one week prior to the next visit

Conclusion

The provided source material offers limited information about traditional KETV freebies in the form of product samples, promotional offers, or mail-in sample programs. Instead, the data primarily highlights KETV's significant involvement in community initiatives, particularly back-to-school programs that provide essential supplies to students in need.

The most substantial information relates to KETV's participation in the Salvation Army Back-to-School Backpack Program and coverage of community events like the SHARE Omaha school supply drive. These initiatives demonstrate KETV's commitment to supporting education and families in the Omaha area.

Additionally, the source material includes information about other community resources available to Omaha residents, including family-friendly venues like DJ's Dugout Sports Bar and the Omaha Zoo's membership program.

While the traditional concept of "freebies" typically refers to product samples or promotional items, the source material shows that KETV contributes to the community through educational support and family-focused initiatives, which provide valuable resources to local residents.

Sources

1. Back-to-School Events and School Supply Drives in Omaha
2. Nebraska Girl Born With Nearly No Brain Celebrates 20th Birthday
3. Hollywood Package Deals
4. DJ's Dugout Sports Bar
5. Omaha Zoo Memberships