Lindsay Dirks is the United Way & Volunteer Services' December Volunteer of the Month. She was selected for her dedication to the residents at the Avera Yankton Care Center. Whether it is helping the residents find the square on their Bingo card, serving coffee, juice and cookies, helping with crafts, watering and caring for plants, baking cookies or walking the dog, Jett, Lindsay is very reliable and cheerful. Lindsay decided to volunteer at the Care Center because it reminds her of when she visited her grandmother in a nursing home.

Playing with kids is also a special time for Lindsay, so times a week, twice a month she assists during MOPS - Mothers Of Preschoolers Support. She helps with the older children - playing games and making crafts.

Every Monday morning, Lindsay joins other volunteers in wrapping bandages for third world countries. Trinity Lutheran Church has the material that needs to be wound in tight rolls. Wrapping bandages is an opportunity to help others in distress as her cousins were helped when their house was destroyed by a tornado.

Volunteering has offered Lindsay the opportunity to assist others when they need a little help, make new friends, learn new skills, care for others and give back to the community. Lindsay Dirks makes a difference in many lives several times a week.