Stories

This blog is guest-written by Sarah Phelps, Smile Baggs Board Member

Our Smile Baggs founder, Desree Coleman, often says that she wants working moms to have the opportunities, resources, and respite that she didn’t have as the single working mother of two children. She sees that moms in our community could thrive and lead so much more with a little help along the way. 

Yes, summer is in full swing, but metro youth will be back to school before we know it! Now is the time to Shop for Good and provide the items local nonprofits need to help their program participants start the school year off on the right foot.

As givers, we don't always know how our donations of items will make someone smile. This is just one example of how a gift made one young girl's day a little brighter.

Project Harmony Child Advocacy Center's receptionist, Pam, noticed a young girl in her waiting room - the center offers services related to child abuse - was about to celebrate a birthday.  She asked the child what she wanted for her birthday. She told Pam, she wanted a Barbie car. 

With Omaha metro nonprofits reporting they need about 1/3 more volunteers, every person who is giving their time to a local cause is making an impact! 

Let's hear what some of our recent dedicated volunteers are saying about their time serving the community:

Meet Caitlin, a Stephen Center volunteer who serves up more than food. She gives a bit of positivity and encouragement to everyone she encounters during her time volunteering at the Stephen Center, an incredible five to six days a week.

"You know it amazes me as a medical researcher how much benefit there are to playing board games. If you play a board game once a week after the age of 55 you're much less likely to get dementia and Alzheimer's disease than somebody who doesn't. More so than diet and exercise and reading. That's just one of the many reasons why we like the enjoyment and the health benefits of play," says Dr. Kaleb Michaud, Director of Spielbound.

"Everything we do here is trying to connect those dots to make sure our young people are supported and can do the things they want to and need to do. They have a really strong desire to make significant strides in their lives and they just need a little bit of help here are there, " shares Morgan, Youth Mart manager at Partnership 4 Hope.

"Everyone is so grateful when they receive these donations. They always say thank you and are so grateful to have something as a simple as a pair of socks because it does provide hope that tomorrow is going to be better."

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha is a direct-aid organization, supporting those in critical financial need in our community. Their ultimate goal is to prevent families and individuals experiencing a financial crisis from falling into homelessness. 

"About 1 in 4 people who menstruate experience period poverty."

Access Period’s mission is to end period poverty in Nebraska through the thoughtful distribution of menstrual products. They serve anyone who needs access to basic needs products through strategic partnerships with community organizations, schools, and free Access Points throughout Nebraska. 

Shop for Good and send the items they need