This blog guest-written by SHARE Omaha friend Grant Mussman.

Why do I LOVE nonprofits?  Oh my goodness, so many reasons.

First, it always connects me to my mom. From a very young age, she embedded in me a sense of connecting with others who were different than myself, and giving back when possible. If my memory serves me, and I was pretty darned young, we'd pile into her blue or brown Ford Pinto and head to grab our once-a-week asignment of meals on wheels and we would make our rounds. I'm sure I was cuter as a youngster than I am at 40, but I remember so fondly my connection with those in need. Most were so grateful to see us and as I've grown, I've learned more about food security and how important it is for us to take care of each other.
 

The Hope Center for Kids founders Pastor Ty and Terri Schenzel saw the need for hope in the lives of children who could not see beyond their circumstances. Today, their vision is carried on by dedicated staff and volunteers who provide a safe after-school and summer program where youth can take part in faith-building, academic support, youth development, employment training and receive a hot meal.

Lou, a longtime volunteer, and her husband have supported the work of The Hope Center for 20 years.

Currently, Lou is a part of a team of volunteers that work in The Hope Center’s garden. Approximately 20 raised beds are used to grow vegetables and flowers and each spring the team cleans the beds and preps them for planting. Lou enjoys helping kids plant seeds, maintain the beds and watch new life grow.
 

Every volunteer comes to American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Nebraska with a deeply personal reason for becoming involved. Often, these lifesavers are propelled to spread suicide prevention awareness because of their own pain.

AFSP is working to prevent the second leading cause of death for Nebraskans age 15-34 and ninth leading cause of death for all age groups. Their work saves lives and brings hope to those affected by suicide through suicide prevention trainings, community outreach and mental health advocacy.

Volunteers like Mark and Jenn make every hour count because of a desire to let others know that they are not alone.

The Internet is an amazing thing.

Every year, a group of Northwest Arkansas churches partner together for a mission trip and volunteer for a week. Early this summer they asked Google, ‘Where should we go? Who needs our help?’

They discovered this posting on SHARE Omaha. They were drawn to Omaha Rapid Response’s need for flood relief volunteers. Their 50 student and 20 adult volunteers could make a big difference in King Lake.
 

Partnership 4 Hope's Youth Mart, a donation center for former foster youth, needs new Truck Brigade volunteers! Sign up to join the Truck Brigade here.
 
Overheard during a ride-along with the Truck Brigade, as a team of volunteers delivered a couch, bed frame and mattress to a recipient of donation items:
“You got enough truck straps for that couch?”
“The apartment’s up there? It’s has to be. Our deliveries are never on the first floor.”
“There’s another door, right? I don’t think it’s coming in this way...”
“Vvvv-room,” said a little boy in Spiderman pajamas as he drove his toy car under the couch being carried back out door number one.
“Look out, the kitty is trying to escape!”