Hospitals Launch Donation Drive for Wildfire-Affected Areas

Rock, Brown, and Cherry County Hospitals partner to collect cash and hay for those impacted by recent wildfires.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 9:50pm

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A vast, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a rural area ravaged by wildfire, with any physical structures or objects dwarfed by the overwhelming power of the natural disaster.A community-driven donation drive aims to provide critical aid to those impacted by the recent devastating wildfires in the region.Valentine Today

The Rock, Brown, and Cherry County Hospitals in Nebraska have joined forces to launch a donation drive supporting individuals, homeowners, ranchers, and farmers affected by recent wildfires. The hospitals are accepting cash donations through the Sandhills Area Foundation as well as hay donations to be transported by Danielski Trucking to the areas in need.

Why it matters

Wildfires have devastated many communities in the region, leaving residents, farmers, and ranchers in need of assistance to rebuild and recover. This collaborative donation drive organized by the local hospitals aims to provide critical supplies and resources to support those impacted by the natural disaster.

The details

The hospitals have created the 'Partners in Life' program to facilitate the donation drive. Cash donations can be made by mail or online to the Sandhills Area Foundation, with donors writing 'Fire Rescue' followed by their county initials (RC for Rock, BC for Brown, CC for Cherry) in the check memo. Hay donations can be delivered directly to the Danielski Trucking location in Valentine, where a tractor and operator will be available to unload. Danielski will also transport fencing supplies and lick tubs to affected areas at no cost.

  • The donation drive will run until May 1, 2026.
  • The online funding link will remain open on the Sandhills Area Foundation website until the grass in the recovering lands has regrown.

The players

Rock County Hospital

One of the three hospitals leading the donation drive through its 'Partners in Life' program.

Brown County Hospital

One of the three hospitals leading the donation drive through its partnership with the other county hospitals.

Cherry County Hospital

One of the three hospitals leading the donation drive through its partnership with the other county hospitals.

Sandhills Area Foundation

The organization accepting cash donations for the wildfire relief efforts.

Danielski Trucking

The company responsible for transporting donated hay and other supplies to the areas affected by the wildfires.

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What they’re saying

“We have created a great motivator for potential donors by placing a trusted local face on the project.”

— Walter Mauch, Spokesperson

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This donation drive organized by the local hospitals demonstrates the community's commitment to supporting those impacted by the devastating wildfires, providing critical resources and supplies to aid in the recovery and rebuilding process.