Nonprofit Center of Milwaukee honors volunteers and hopes to inspire others

\"Our Stories with Michele\" is a regular feature on the CBS 58 News at 4 which profiles people of action in our own backyard.

Thursday's edition profiled volunteers who are at completely different stages in life and making a difference in their own way.

Ananya Murali isn't your typical high school junior. The Shorewood High School student honored Thursday for an anti-bullying program she developed and hosted for local middle school students.

She was spurred by the tragedy in her community and determined not to see it happen again.

\"The leading cause of suicide is actually bullying,\" Murali told CBS 58 News. \"When I heard there were a couple of suicides in the Northshore area I wanted to do something that would impact my community directly.\"

Retiree Harold Darst honored for working every day for the past five years handing out free meals in South Milwaukee.

For 33 years now the Nonprofit Center of Milwaukee, which organizes volunteer work, takes time to thank those who answer the call.

\"It's just good to have a time when we celebrate all of that, to recognize them and to thank them.\" said Bonnie Andrews of the Center. \"But to also to encourage other people to volunteer.\"

U.S. Bank also honored for providing 8 to 16 hours of paid time off to its workers as motivation to get connected.

\"It really starts at the top,\" explained Lynn Hetiman from U.S. Bank. \"It's the spirit of U.S. Bank. Our CO Richard Davis feels very strongly. He wants all of us to give back to our community and to give of our time.\"

The Nonprofit Center of Milwaukee serves more than 600 agencies throughout Southeast Wisconsin.