05/15/2026
Last month, our very own Lorena Beckius from Allen Capital Group in Ogallala stepped up in an incredible way during the Nebraska wildfires that burned over 800,000 acres.
As District Governor for Rotary District 5630, Lorena received an emergency call to help coordinate support with Hot Meals USA, bringing together volunteers to help feed firefighters on the front lines.
She helped organize volunteers in Ogallala and North Platte, supported social media and advertising efforts, assisted with communications, and even spent time on the ground serving breakfast and dinner alongside volunteers. Together, they helped serve more than 600 firefighters, including members of Rocky Mountain Incident Teams 1 & 2.
Lorena shared that it truly took a village. Nonprofits, churches, businesses, community members, coworkers, and Rotarians across the district all came together to make it happen. Over 21 days, the effort provided more than 25,000 meals, engaged over 500 volunteers, and filled more than 900 shifts to ensure breakfast, lunch, and dinner were served without interruption.
What stood out most was the spirit of community. Lorena witnessed people from all walks of life showing up with kindness and gratitude—kids creating drawings and thank-you cards, local businesses quickly preparing care packages within hours, and firefighters being sent home with meaningful tokens of appreciation.
Hot Meals USA brought a mobile kitchen and, with the help of volunteers, was able to cook, prepare, and serve thousands of meals with heart and dedication. It was truly an amazing effort filled with compassion, teamwork, and resilience.
Hot Meals USA is a nonprofit organization, and donations help them continue their mission of feeding first responders and communities during times of disaster.
Lorena is proud to be part of a community—and a team—that shows up when it matters most.