‘It’s our job to give back’: Restaurant owner supports North Omaha through back-to-school event

A local restaurant owner is giving back to the community after they supported her through one of the toughest times.

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OMAHA, Neb. —

After six years, Jackie Robbins, a St. Louis native, has become a beloved part of North Omaha.

She initially moved here for her husband’s heart transplant, and together they brought their restaurant, Rib Shack Smokehouse, to their new home in Omaha. She said the community gave her everything she needed while her husband recovered. Now, she’s doing her part and giving back to the community who supported her for so long.

Previous coverage: Heart 4 Malcolm: Man travels to Omaha for heart transplant

“It’s our job to give back and pay it forward because the community gave us so much, not only with the heart, but even helped us rebuild and reopen our restaurant,” Robbins said.

Sunday’s event combined Robbins’ For the Love of BBQ event and North Omaha Community Partnership’s Community Fun Day.

“Miss Jackie reaching out and asked us to combine our events, and she was willing to move hers to August so that we could do the back-to-school edition,” Tamika Mease, executive director of North Omaha Community Partnership, said.

Previous coverage: Local restaurant opens after co-founder’s heart transplant success

Families got free plates of food from Rib Shack and other restaurants before grabbing everything they’ll need for the school year.

“Families can come here, they can get fed, get book bags, get what they need,” Mease said. “Then, if they need help in the future, they know where to go.”

“A lot of times, they don’t have the extra money to go our and purchase the book bags and school supplies, so we try to meet that need,” Pastor James Hunter, community initiative director at YouTurn, said.

Students also could get hygiene products, dental care, new clothes, clean shoes and emergency kits from organizations across the metro.

“It shows the community that we can collaborate and work together, bring our resources together and impact that many more people,” Hunter said.

Leaders said this was a chance to celebrate their community in a safe way. Hundreds poured into Miller Park for the event, from grandparents to babies, all eager to celebrate the end of summer together.

“Positive things can take place right here in the midst of North Omaha,” Hunter said.

If you are looking for resources, reach out to North Omaha Community Partnership or YouTurn.