Giving is American

"I delivered Meals on Wheels for four years... It was one of the most rewarding things I have done in my life. It was an honor to help those who were frequently alone and needed one of life's most basic needs, food. Many of the people were quiet, and we had very little interaction, but many were genuinely glad to see us, and over time, as barriers broke down, you got to know these people and really develop a relationship.

It was wonderful to hear their stories or share a joke. Whether it was a former mayor at the end of his life or a deep-sea diver, so many interesting stories our clients shared. During COVID, having to just leave the food on the door was hard, but it helped get the most vulnerable through the pandemic. Sometimes the simplest things in life are the most rewarding. Certainly, delivering food to those in need qualifies for me."

- John

"I volunteer every week at the Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding in Michigan. It's a nonprofit and SUCH a wonderful program. It's an equine-based therapy program for people with disabilities. As a volunteer, I generally lead the horses during class and sometimes sidewalk with them as they ride. It's been an amazing thing to see the true joy horses bring to the lives of these riders.

Not only does riding help them physically (balance, motion, etc.), but it's always clear that it positively affects their mental health as well. It also positively affects the mental health of the volunteers!"

- Elise

My first nonprofit experience was volunteering at a domestic violence shelter for women and children...I worked in the call center, where I spoke with women who were scared, isolated, and without the resources to escape the threat of violence to themselves and their children...

When the women and their children arrived, they were welcomed into a safe, temporary home and offered life-changing resources—legal aid, counseling, job support, and more. I witnessed firsthand the resilience of survivors and the transformative power of a place that offers both safety and dignity. Many of the women and children I met left the shelter equipped to live independently, free from abuse.

Millions of women experience domestic violence every year. For many, nonprofit shelters are the only path to safety—and sometimes, survival. Supporting this cause remains close to my heart, and I hope to volunteer at another shelter in the future.

- Lea