Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Lori Shinton, Chief Growth Officer with Hands On powered by United Way of Greater Nashville, who highlights how the organization connects volunteers with nonprofits across Middle Tennessee. Lori explains that Hands On was founded in 1991 and merged with United Way of Greater Nashville in January 2024 to expand its reach across Middle Tennessee. She describes the process of finding volunteer opportunities through the website, hon.org, and highlights the growth to 211 nonprofit partners and over 57,000 volunteer hours in 2025. Lori also discusses the importance of volunteerism in filling resource gaps for nonprofits and the organization’s role in disaster response through VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster). She emphasizes the importance of safety and coordination during disasters, citing the 2020 tornado as an example of high volunteer demand. Finally, she describes the Season of Sharing as an invitation for the community to connect with neighbors through volunteering, giving, and kindness. Last year’s inaugural Season of Sharing facilitated more than 2,500 volunteer connections, and the hope is to double that impact this year for the season running November 1, 2026 though January 31, 2027.
Visit www.hon.org to learn more and get involved with Hands On powered by United Way of Greater Nashville.
