Christmas was a little brighter for several local organizations, thanks to the generosity of one local couple. Bill and Ellyn Walters of O’Neill recently made a donation that benefitted five local organizations within the O’Neill community, all with the focus on helping people in need.
“The community has treated us very well over the years, supported us and our endeavors in the community,” said Bill. “This time of year, and this year specifically, people could use some help and we wanted to give back.”
The organizations the couple donated to are all established to help people within the community. The couple donated $1,000 each to the Food Pantry at the O’Neill United Methodist Church, O’Neill Senior Center, O’Neill Fire & Rescue, Toys for Tots and the O’Neill Community Foundation Fund.
“The generosity shown by Bill and Ellyn with their recent gift is a true testament to their character. Focused on people and caring for their fellow neighbors, Bill and Ellyn’s gifts will benefit many in our community,” said Nicole Sedlacek, O’Neill Community Foundation Fund Treasurer.
The couple, who have been married for 46 years, raised their now two adult children, Sara and Sean, and son, Jeremy, who passed away at the age of 3, in O’Neill. They have called O’Neill home since 1975. Bill was an elementary teacher at O’Neill Elementary for 42 years before retiring in 2017 and Ellyn worked for Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services for 39 years, retiring in 2014.
Posted on: Monday, January 4, 2021
Last modified on: Monday, January 4, 2021