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2024 December Volunteer of the Month - Dave Spencer

YanktonUnitedWay

At United Way, we believe volunteers are essential in making our community a better place. Each month, we celebrate the POWER of volunteers to make a difference, and we recognize individuals who are passionate and dedicated to the organizations they serve.


While December’s nomination did not exactly match the theme of the “holidays”, this individual has played Santa numerous times in his volunteering career, and his spirit of giving certainly fits the holiday season.


Tom Stotz nominated Dave Spencer for the December Volunteer of the Month award and provided the following commendations:


“Dave has been an active member of the Yankton Morning Optimist Club since moving to Yankton 30 years ago. He served as president over 20 years ago and is now once again the current president of the Club. He received the Gold Honor Award in 2000-2001 for personal growth and involvement. He has especially been active with Santa’s Workshop and arranging volunteers for the open skate program."


"Dave was instrumental in establishing the indoor skating rink and the hockey programs here in Yankton. Recently, he spearheaded the formation of the Combined Service Club meetings held quarterly at Mount Marty University."


"At Trinity Lutheran Church, Dave currently is a member of the long-range planning committee, serves as a van driver to pick up disabled individuals, serves as an usher, and even plays his trumpet on occasion for special music. He also has served as president of the church council for two different terms in 2018 and 2020."


"Dave is an outstanding advocate for the Yankton Morning Optimists, the Yankton community, Mount Marty University, and of course, the Nebraska Cornhuskers!”


For these reasons, United Way was thrilled to present December’s Volunteer of the Month Award to Dave Spencer!


We asked Dave to share more about how volunteerism has impacted his life:  


How long have you lived in the Greater Yankton area?

I have lived in Yankton since June 1994.


When did you begin volunteering?

I began volunteering as a child and continued throughout high school, college and my entire career. Specifically to Yankton, it was in the fall of 1994, when I coached youth football and joined the Yankton Morning Optimist Club.


Where do you currently volunteer?

Trinity Lutheran Church – President (twice); Yankton Morning Optimist Club – President (twice); Yankton Area Ice Assocation – founding member and past President; SD Junior Football Board Member and Coach; Yankton Area Community Foundation – Current Board Member; past member of Yankton Park and Rec Advisory Board, past member of Yankton Baseball Association, former Cub Scout Packmaster.


Approximately how many hours per year do you volunteer?

I volunteer roughly 150 hours per year.


Volunteer work is enjoyable because:

The rewards you receive from knowing how you have improved your community and/or an individual’s life are priceless knowing that you have made a difference. Being a volunteer makes you part of the “solution” and not a part of the “problem”. The world needs more “solution” people.


My best volunteer experience was:

Coaching a 5/6th grade youth football team three years ago for a Yankton team that did not have a coach. I told the players and parents our goals were to 1) teach your son the game, 2) get better as the season progressed, 3) have fun and 4) keep you in this sport as your son moves to 6th and 7th grades the following year. All goals were achieved, and it was a great opportunity to turn a not-so-great situation into a wonderful experience for everyone!


The advice I would give to those thinking about getting out there and volunteering in their communities is:

Everyone has an interest or talent that others could certainly, bringing “solutions” to the forefront. Don’t be afraid to offer up what you can do to help – it will make a difference and will reward you in more ways than you will ever know!


We are inspired by Dave’s dedication and commitment to serving others and the Greater Yankton community through his volunteerism and generosity. He embodies the value that UNITED we can accomplish more than we can alone.


To learn more about local volunteer opportunities or to nominate someone for United Way’s Volunteer of the Month Award, please visit www.yanktonunitedway.org/volunteer, email info@yanktonunitedway.org, or call United Way of Greater Yankton at (605) 665-6766.

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