When Sherman Wells, a longtime Omaha resident and parent, saw a group of children standing in a downpour outside a North Omaha school, he decided to act. “I passed the school and some of the kids that were dropped off early were out there and it was raining, so they were just standing still, just letting the rain hit them,” Wells said.
Umbrella and poncho donation drive
Wells founded the community group U.N.T.A.M.E.D. and quickly turned his concern into a practical solution: an umbrella and poncho donation drive. To date, volunteers have collected roughly 50 umbrellas and 100 disposable ponchos, enough to keep dozens of students dry each morning.
“As a parent, it really bothers me to see them start their day wet. How can they focus on homework or work when they’re soaked the moment they arrive?” Wells explained.
Drop‑off locations tied to community partners
The drive uses three drop‑off sites that reflect Wells’ personal connections to local businesses and his church. Haven Express, located at 1217 Leavenworth St., has long supported his charitable efforts. The North Omaha Visitors Center & Martha’s Coffee Shop at 2205 N 24th St. and the Assembly of the Saints church at 4224 N 24th St. also serve as collection points. Additionally, Rib Shack Smoke House at 10841 Q St. Ste 105 will accept donations during its regular hours.
“Haven Express helped me when I did a feed‑the‑entire‑tower event, so I know I can count on them for this,” Wells said. “Rib Shack supported my 20‑week community‑feeding project, and the Assembly of the Saints is my church home. The visitor center has always been supportive as well.”
Community unity in action
Wells sees the drive as a tangible example of what can happen when neighbors, businesses, and faith groups unite. “When you see different businesses and people from all walks of life—black, white, Hispanic—participating, it shows we can do things together,” he said. “We have the power to do whatever we want when we work together.”
He encourages anyone who notices a problem in the community to bring a solution, noting that the response often exceeds expectations. “If you see a need, step up with a plan, and you’ll be surprised how the community shows up,” Wells added.
How to help
Donors can drop off new or gently used umbrellas and ponchos at any of the listed locations during the posted hours. The drive will continue through the school year, with the goal of ensuring that every child can start the day dry and ready to learn.
For more information, contact Sherman Wells at the Assembly of the Saints or visit the U.N.T.A.M.E.D. website.
Original reporting: KMTV 3 News Now (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
