Truck Brigade Moves for a Mission

Two years ago when Adam Gaines toured Youth Mart, a donation center housed on the Omaha Home for Boys’ campus that serves former foster care youth, he noticed items that had been tagged for pickup months prior but were still awaiting their new home. Adam learned that, unfortunately, many young people transitioning out of foster care needed those items but lacked a way to get donations – especially large furniture – from Youth Mart to their home. Thus, Truck Brigade was born.

“The idea was to create a volunteer group whose mission was to serve the youth of Project Everlast and other nonprofits by delivering furniture and household items, as well as collecting donations from around the Omaha Metro for Youth Mart,” Adam said. “ Keenan Page and Jim Hubbard had dreamed of having a delivery system, so the concept of the Truck Brigade took form and we were off and running – or driving, as it was!”

Today, the Truck Brigade’s mission to connect donations with their new home is thriving thanks to a group of dedicated volunteers. On the second Friday of every month, these volunteers pick up donated items from residences and businesses around the Omaha Metro and take them to Youth Mart. They then deliver items from Youth Mart to young adults who are working towards making their own independent living space.

As the name suggests, volunteers use not only their own trucks, but in some cases, SUVs or minivans.

“The youth served by Truck Brigade are always so gracious and appreciative of the volunteers and thrilled to get their items to their home,” Adam said. “The volunteers are also filled with the joy of giving these young adults a hand and showing them they are cared for.”

If you’re interested in joining the Truck Brigade as a volunteer or would like to schedule a pick up of donated items, please contact Youth Mart at 402.457.7002 or youthmart@omahahomeforboys.org.

About Youth Mart

Youth Mart is a donation center that serves former foster care youth ages 16 to 24 as they face the critical transition into living independently with a limited support system. Young adults are allowed to shop free of charge at Youth Mart for household essentials, furniture and personal care items that are graciously donated by the public.