O'Connell Children's Shelter

10/13/2026

Congratulations to Ryan, one of our incredible house managers, on four amazing years with us! Ryan is a passionate advocate for the young people in his house, and his dedication makes a meaningful difference every day. Ryan has recently taken on the leadership of a progressive opportunity with older youth in our residential program, and is developing a valuable specialty in helping older youth prepare for adulthood and successfully transition out of the foster care system. Alongside his staff, Ryan provides steady guidance and encouragement while empowering young people to take greater ownership of their choices, decisions, and futures. Outside of work, Ryan loves fashion, sports, and vintage cars (check out this fit he pulled off at our recent car show) and showing off his sweet ride. We’re so grateful for Ryan’s commitment and excited to celebrate this milestone with him!

10/08/2026

Pop the confetti—we’re celebrating 10 incredible years of Gina’s leadership! Her bold vision, passion, and dedication have expanded our reach and strengthened our impact. A true servant leader, Gina keeps the children and families we serve at the heart of everything we do—and loves growing programs to help even more people. Outside work, she enjoys sunny lake days with family and friends—and her morning Diet Coke! Cheers to 10 phenomenal years, Gina! CONGRATULATIONS!

10/03/2026

Happening now!!!!

Well its almost time for this year's Summer's End Cruise In. Remember the show was rescheduled to Saturday, Oct. 3, from 8-3 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in the Open Pavilion. We will be inside the Pavilion with overflow outside. We have a ton of activities scheduled, so make a day of it. And bring the family as there is something for everyone.

Free to enter (though we encourage a donation to our charities, FREE to attend (you can also donate to our charities), with food and beverage available, plus entertainment in the form of Easy G and the Blue Notes and Rich Johnson After Midnight as the headliner. Plus BLUEY and BINGO will make an appearance for the kids at 11:00.

Don't miss out on the fun! Hope to see you there!

Set 'em up Jacks Lawrence Blue Santa O'Connell Children's Shelter

10/03/2026

Preview of what you can see at the Douglas County Fairgrounds today 8-3 at the Summer's End Cruise-In benefiting O'Connell Children's Shelter and Lawrence Blue Santa.

10/03/2026

🚘 Summer’s End Cruise-In is coming up this Saturday! 🏍️💙

Join Set 'em up Jacks and the Summer's End Cruise-In crew on Saturday, October 3, from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Douglas County Fairgrounds Pavilion for hot rods, cool bikes, food and a day of community fun.

Come check out the vehicles, spend some time with friends and help support two organizations serving local children and families.

Proceeds benefit Lawrence Blue Santa and O'Connell Children's Shelter.

📅 Saturday, October 3
⏰ 8:00 AM–3:00 PM
📍 Douglas County Fairgrounds Pavilion

Bring the family ! 💙

10/03/2026

Come out to the car show today at the Douglas County Fairgrounds 8-3pm.

10/01/2026

Shoutout to YellowBug Creative for helping us add some 40th Year dazzle to our Lawrence Festival of Trees logo! We are ready to kick of the holiday season on Friday, November 27th at Maceli's as viewing hours open. We hope you can join us for all the fun we have planned. Make sure you keep checking back for all the updates! Individual tickets for the Auction Party, on December 5th, will go on sale soon!