The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office is kicking off its seventh annual Charitable Giving Campaign, raising money this November and December for the Down Syndrome Association for Families of Nebraska.
The voluntary employee campaign allows sheriff’s office personnel to make donations while also participating in special dress and grooming policy exemptions. Those include facial hair and hats for men, stocking caps for women and casual dress for professional staff.
The sheriff’s office says approximately $2,800 has already been raised this year. The campaign is also expected to push the total amount raised over its first seven years beyond $25,000. Down Syndrome Association for Families of Nebraska Director Jamie Barrier says the organization, founded in 1995, now serves hundreds of families each year, offering support from prenatal diagnosis through adulthood.
Barrier says one of the organization’s most important programs involves outreach to hospitals and medical clinics. “We do 75 visits to hospitals and clinics throughout Lincoln. We meet with providers and medical staff, and we provide them with materials on giving accurate and up-to-date information on babies with Down Syndrome.”
The outreach helps prepare parents for the medical needs and challenges they may encounter while also connecting them with available resources and support. Barrier says the organization also provides welcome baskets and gifts to families with newborns, emphasizing that having a child with Down syndrome is a reason to celebrate.
She says the association is grateful for the sheriff’s office campaign, which not only provides financial support but also helps raise awareness and promote inclusion for people with Down syndrome and other special needs.