Spirit of giving driving force behind new pantry director - Omaha World-Herald

Spirit of giving driving force behind new pantry director - Omaha World-Herald

Melissa Nelson is a firm believer that it’s better to give than receive.

Especially when it comes to her three kids on their birthdays.

“My husband and I don’t give our kids gifts on their birthdays, we have them go out and collect items for other organizations,” Nelson said. “They’re the only grandchildren on either side, so they still get spoiled by the grandparents.”

Nelson’s philosophy of giving fits perfectly in her role as director of the Tri-City Pantry. The pantry, located at the Heartland Family Service building at 302 American Parkway, services La Vista, Papillion and Ralston.

Nelson took over for Connie Shattuck, who stepped down as director in December.

A Bellevue East High School graduate, Nelson spent eight years in the Merchant Marines alongside her husband, Colin, and was stationed in Houston. While there, she began taking graduate classes at Texas A&M to study nonprofits.

“I knew that I someday wanted to get into that field,” she said. “When I was in Houston, I worked for a ship owner that delivered oil. I saw that I could work hard and make money for a big company, or I could work to help people.”

When her family moved to Papillion nearly three years ago, she began working at the Sarpy County Museum in Bellevue, handling public relations and social media. She remained there until joining the pantry in November.

“I saw the opening in the St. Columbkille church bulletin and I thought that would be a great way to work with people and serve the community,” she said.

As director, she works about 25 to 30 hours per week, which she said leaves her time to volunteer at her church and children’s schools.

In her two months at the pantry, she has been impressed by the dedication of her staff and the community.

“We have about 70 volunteers and they are all committed to what we do,” she said. “Really, my biggest challenge has been finding a place to put everything because we get so much stuff.”

Already serving numerous families within the three communities, Nelson believes the pantry has room to grow in the coming years.

“There are a lot more families in need that don’t know we’re here,” she said. “We want to educate the churches and the schools and make people aware of us.

“I would like to see our donor base continue to grow and find more support and monetary donations to help buy some of the things we need. I’d like to partner with more businesses and have people aware that we can take fresh produce from them.”

Nelson said the pantry is a great example of an organization willing to lend help where it’s needed.

“There are needs no matter where you might be,” she said. “There are people living on fixed incomes that are just one emergency away from falling behind on their bills. There is good in this world and there are people who want to help.”