Today is a day to celebrate all those groups that are part of the nonprofit sector.

Today is the inaugural National Nonprofit Day. It recognizes the altruistic goals of nonprofits and acknowledges the positive impact nonprofits have on the community.

“Somewhere a volunteer reads to school children; a patient receives steady medication; a lawyer provides legal services for low-income individuals; a nonprofit funeral home buries a lost soul; or a first-time homebuyer is moving into his own home… National Nonprofit Day reminds us that each of these scenes is possible because of the nonprofit sector and the work performed by capable men, women and organizations,” said National Nonprofit Day founder Sherita Herring.

This is the first year National Nonprofit Day has been acknowledged on those handy “National Day Calendars,” that tell you all the 1,500 specially-recognized days throughout the year.

According to the site, National Nonprofit Day is celebrated today for historical reasons. The Tariff Act of 1894 was signed into law on Aug.17, and imposed the first federal income tax on corporations, which included exemptions for nonprofit corporations and charitable institutions. With a few modifications, nonprofit exemptions remain a solid part of the law and have served significant benefits, both for communities and the economy.

Nonprofits are essential to the quality of life in our community. Clark County boasts a wide variety of nonprofits from groups that offer tutoring or support the local animal shelter, to teams aimed at preserving local history or teaching children the benefits of athletics. We have nonprofits that provides services for individuals with disabilities or assist the unemployedt. There are agencies for pregnant mothers and newborns to the elderly and everyone in between.

Some groups are focused on making sure everyone’s basic needs — food, shelter, clothing, decent housing, etc. — are met.

Whatever the mission, the work is not always as easy as it is rewarding. Certainly, that work can sometimes go unnoticed or upraised, although most are not doing it for the praise.

A statement from the National Council of Nonprofits perfectly sums up the tremendous impact these groups have on society: “Nonprofits embody the best spirit and values of our nation. They help millions of individuals and families daily. They protect, feed, heal, shelter, educate, and nurture our bodies and spirits. Nonprofits also give shape to our boldest dreams, highest ideals, and noblest causes. They turn our beliefs into action — as promoters of democracy, champions of the common good, incubators of innovation, laboratories of leadership, protectors of taxpayers, responders in times of trouble, stimulators of the economy, and weavers of the community fabric.”

We would like to simply thank those groups and the individuals that make it possible for these nonprofits to have such a positive impact on Winchester and Clark County. The quality of life in this community is much greater thanks to the people who make these organizations run.

To celebrate National Nonprofit Day, do so by spreading awareness on social media of your favorite nonprofits and use #NationalNonprofitDay. Consider donating to a group  you believe serves a worthy cause or learn more about how you can personally become involved.