Aug. 17 is National Nonprofit Day

For the last five decades I have spent significant time climbing, hiking, and fly fishing on our public lands. As I neared retirement, I looked for a way to “give back” for all the enjoyment my family has received from these adventures on our wonderful public lands. So, for the last six years I have volunteered for the Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association (ESIA), a local nonprofit that supports many of the public agency visitor centers from Lone Pine to Lake Tahoe by providing interpretive products, exhibits, and programs about the Sierra Nevada. I hope that my business background provides value to ESIA by making it a better and more healthy organization, and in return, I feel good about supporting an organization that provides an important service to the local community and visitors from around the world helping to educate and inspire them about our world class mountains and deserts.

There are over one million nonprofits in the United States and nearly everyone benefits in one way or another from these organizations, whether they realize it or not. They bring out the good in all of us by providing support to our communities.

There are dozens of nonprofits in the Owens Valley including Wildcare Eastern Sierra, Eastern Sierra Land Trust, Mono Lake Committee, Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra, Bishop Rotary Foundation, Bishop Muledays Celebration, Youth with a Mission, Mammoth Lakes Recreation, and many more.

From supporting the environment to helping kids, there is a local or national nonprofit that will be meaningful to you. Please consider donating or volunteering a few hours of your time. Even a modest contribution will be greatly appreciated and have a positive impact on the nonprofit. In return, you will meet some great people, have fun, learn something, and will receive the satisfaction that you are helping your community and the world to be a better place.

Don Chambers Bishop