Thousands took time out of their Sunday to step up and help a neighbor. Volunteers from 31 area churches participated in the Step Out and Serve project to pitch in and beautify the community.

Half painted for the past two years and without help, George Ward said he was never able to give his home at 34th and Charles that finishing touch. "I feel like I'm on Extreme Makeover. It feels wonderful to know there's still people in the world willing to help.”

Help arrived with paint brushes. Talia Osborn was one those who volunteered. "A lot of times people don't know that there's people out there who care and to come down to do a simple thing as painting a house, say hi or saying that we are here and we can help you out and we do care about you."

And not just at the Ward residence. There were projects going at dozens upon dozens of locations across the city being handled by 6,200 volunteers.

They weren't just painting homes. Scott Warren and his girlfriend were busy sweeping up around a neighborhood ministry. "If we can help clean up a little bit and then also be able to serve the kids and have some fun with them today, makes the whole Omaha community a little better."

At least one resident thinks it is. "I'll be thanking all these wonderful people here, that they came here to help," said Ward.

Step Out and Serve ultimately helped out 125 local nonprofits. In addition to painting, they did landscaping, cleaning, construction and cooking.