No summer rest for nonprofits...

Yesterday as I was driving, traffic slowed and I found my car creeping next to a Mile High Youth Corp van. It was full of young people in grey t-shirts enjoying a few moments of cool and rest before a very hot day working on a public improvement project. I was reminded of how nonprofits are humming with activity during the summer months.

There are few slow days for nonprofits here in Colorado. Trail maintenance programs and environmental education programs are in full swing. Summer education and recreation programs, food banks, and services for the disadvantaged of all sorts see more and more clients in the summer. Summer is also a time for fundraising. The Bubbly at the Brewery Dog Wash (Longmont Humane Society), Summer Art Market (Art Students League), and Community Shares' own Harvest Run are all great examples of the fun and frenzy.

I am new to Community Shares, but not to the nonprofit sector. I have been struck in my first few weeks at how important workplace and incremental giving is. While each animal, human, environmental, social justice, and cultural service agency is working to positively impact Colorado - the giving goes on behind the scenes. How refreshing it is to know that when each nonprofit staffer is doing their most to bring positive change to their community they are backed by the small but incredible gifts that continue week in and week out. Paycheck deduction is lovingly given by someone who knows that their gift is adding to the rising wave of support that makes each program and effort possible. This is giving that is truly effective and important. Effective and important all year long, not just when the temperature rises we are all distracted by the call of that familiar mountain trail, the patio or grandma’s shady garden.

- Julie