The Power of Kindness: Omaha Campaigns That Connect and Inspire
By: Brittney Ryba
Love as a Public Good: How Omaha’s Kindness-Driven Campaigns Strengthen Community
By February, many of us are ready for a break from the cold and the endless stream of heart-shaped marketing. But in Nebraska, love has always meant something deeper than romance. It looks like neighbors checking on each other after a storm, nonprofits rallying around shared missions and businesses stepping up when families need support. In Omaha, love is expressed through community care — and the communications strategies behind these efforts offer powerful stories for PR professionals.
At a time when audiences crave authenticity and connection, kindness-driven campaigns resonate more than ever. They remind us that communication isn’t just about visibility; it’s about impact. It’s about helping people feel part of something larger than themselves.
Three recent examples illustrate this beautifully: #GoodNeighborOMA, Omaha’s #GivingTuesday tradition and Hy-Vee’s food assistance initiative show how organizations across sectors are using storytelling, empathy and action to strengthen the social fabric of our city.
Love as Everyday Kindness: #GoodNeighborOMA
The City of Omaha’s 2026 “Year of the Neighbor” initiative and the #GoodNeighborOMA hashtag celebrate the small, meaningful acts that keep communities strong. Residents share stories of kindness — a driveway shoveled, a meal delivered and a stranger lending a hand.
The brilliance of this campaign lies in its simplicity, as it doesn’t rely on polished production or corporate messaging. Instead, it elevates real people doing real good. By amplifying user-generated stories, the city transformed individual acts into a collective movement rooted in pride and connection.
For communicators, #GoodNeighborOMA is a reminder that the most compelling stories often come from the community itself. When you give people a platform to celebrate each other, they show up.
Love Through Generosity: Omaha’s #GivingTuesday Tradition
Every year, Omaha nonprofits mobilize for #GivingTuesday through ShareOmaha — and the community responds with remarkable generosity. Organizations share stories of impact, gratitude and hope, reminding donors that giving is an act of love for their neighbors.
The success of #GivingTuesday in Omaha comes from coordinated storytelling. Nonprofits align their voices around shared values: compassion, community and collective action. #GivingTuesday402 in December 2025 raised over $5 million for local nonprofits, including 1,300+ first-time gifts. And Omaha Community Foundation fundholders set a new record with $2.6M granted in one day.
For PR professionals, this campaign demonstrates the power of unified communication. When organizations speak with one voice about the needs of their community, people listen — and they act.
Love in Action: Hy-Vee’s Support for Local Families
Last fall, Hy-Vee donated a total of $125,000 to its Feeding America Food Bank partners and launched a meaningful initiative: free kids meals to help families stretch their budgets during a challenging season.
This initiative was a gesture of care showing how corporate social responsibility can be rooted in empathy. By offering tangible support, Hy-Vee communicated a message that resonated deeply with families: we see you and we’re here to help.
For communicators, it’s a reminder that sometimes the strongest message is an action that speaks for itself.
What These Campaigns Teach Us About Love in Communications
Across these examples, a clear theme emerges: in Omaha, love is expressed through community care. Whether it’s a neighborly gesture, a collective day of giving or a business stepping up for families, each campaign demonstrates how communications can strengthen connection and belonging.
For PR professionals, February is an opportunity to broaden the definition of love. Beyond hearts and flowers, love can be a strategic framework — one that prioritizes empathy, generosity and shared responsibility.
These campaigns also reflect something familiar to those of us in PRSA Nebraska: the belief that communication is ultimately about connection. Our chapter thrives because members show up for one another — sharing ideas, offering support, celebrating wins and navigating challenges together. When we gather, collaborate or simply cheer each other on, we’re practicing a form of professional love that strengthens our field and our city. Learn more about becoming a member of PRSANE and register to attend our February program.
