Anyone who knows Susie Brown knows her heart beats for kids. Nine years ago, Susie learned that kids who visited the local community center on weekends were spending the entire day there without eating. Within weeks, she launched We Can Do This, a nonprofit dedicated to feeding hungry children in Lincoln. Today, the growing organization provides weekend meals, personal care items, and school supplies to children across Lincoln. For many children, the meals they receive through We Can Do This are the only ones they’ll eat that day — a sobering reality Susie works tirelessly to change.

“When I see the face of the kids that we serve, I see myself as a teenager and I understand that a kind word, words of encouragement, and knowing that someone cares about you is important.”

For Susie, this mission is deeply personal. As a single mom raising two kids, she remembers the hard choices — paying a bill or putting food on the table. She’s stood in food lines and relied on hand-me-downs. And before that, she was a hungry kid herself. Those experiences shaped her resolve: No child should feel forgotten.

A heart for family

Susie’s generosity doesn’t stop with her nonprofit. She treasures time with her family — her son and daughter are grown, and she is a proud grandma to five (just ask her about her grandkids). Sunday dinners are a big deal — it doesn’t matter what’s on the table, only that everyone is present. Finances are tight, so outings are rare, but they love trips to the zoo, movies, and the children’s museum when they can. Family time is a great rejuvenator for the week ahead, and everyone knows Susie works hard, because things don’t just change themselves.

Extra love for Susie and family

Susie was nominated by Shirley Smith, who has known her for nearly 20 years. Shirley was Susie’s supervisor at Tabitha for more than a decade and saw firsthand her dedication to helping others. Today, Shirley proudly serves on the board of We Can Do This, working to help the nonprofit carry out its mission. Susie never stops giving, and Shirley thought it was time for her to be on the receiving end of some holiday magic. UBT couldn’t agree more, and our Magic Moments team set out to make that happen! 

Thanks to our generous partners, Susie and her family will enjoy memberships to the Lincoln Children’s Zoo and Children’s Museum for a year’s worth of fun outings, while a movie night, dinner out, and a Saltdogs suite experience will make family time even more memorable. Practical gifts like gas cards and household essentials will make life easier for the lady who always thinks of others, and a new dining set will level up those family meals. Special surprises — from clothing and shoes to pampering services — ensure each family member feels the holiday spirit. (We got a little something for Shirley, too!)

Susie, thanks for making our community better. We’re wishing you and your family a season filled with hope, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Happy holidays, Brown family!