Every holiday season, Andrea and her family honor her late father by volunteering for an organization that is important to him. It is away to keep his memory alive, connect with each other and do good.

At work, Andrea feels fully supported in her volunteering. “I’m fortunate to work for Ameritas, a company that truly values giving back. ”The company provides up to eight hours each month to volunteer during workhours, which can also translate into donation dollars through a special program.

Volunteering has helped Andrea feel more connected to the community and more aware of the needs around her.

The cause that draws Andrea most strongly is youth mental health. Andrea feels most passionate about supporting people and organizations that support youth from birth through adulthood, however, when seeking out volunteer opportunities, Andrea doesn’t look for just her favorite organizations or causes but opts for variety because each volunteer experience connects her to another. The causes may seem at first to be different, but “they all serve the same purpose,” she says, “to strengthen our community.”

Andrea doesn’t limit volunteering to her working hours. She prioritizes volunteering in her personal time, intentionally passing down this family value to the next generation by involving her husband and three daughters in her volunteerism. “I want them to see how important it is to support your community and that giving your time is one of the most selfless ways to help others.” Andrea hopes now that her children are adults they will continue to volunteer to the causes that are important to them.

Andrea is grateful to be able to support local organizations and is always happy to encourage others to get involved, whether it’s by giving a few hours, helping with fundraising, or simply spreading the word. Her words of advice are to “start small and choose a cause that speaks to them, because even a few hours can make a real difference.”

Those interested in taking starting or continuing their volunteering journeys are encouraged to find their next opportunity on volunteerLNK.org, which serves as a hub for volunteerism for all of Lancaster County. The platform, operated by United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County with support from Lincoln Community Foundation, simplifies the process of finding meaningful volunteer opportunities, and is tailored to each user’s unique interests, skills, and availability. Volunteer opportunities can be filled by individuals, families, church groups, high school and college students, and retirees. The site also offers options for companies to get involved together.

National Volunteer Week starts April 19, 2026.