2025 September Volunteer of the Month - Bruce Myers

Bruce Myers has been volunteering at a high level for many years, serving Yankton area non-profit organizations and the clients they help.  Bruce volunteers for several agencies in Yankton, all for which he has a high amount of passion.  However, his impact with one of those agencies, River City Domestic Violence Center, has been felt deeply by both staff and clients alike.  So much so that they nominated him to receive the United Way’s Volunteer of the Month award.

Bruce Myers has been an extraordinary asset to River City Domestic Violence Center over the past 2 years, volunteering his time and skills to help with essential maintenance tasks that keep the shelter running safely and smoothly. As a small nonprofit with just five staff, RCDVC often faces complex issues involving plumbing, electrical systems, heating and cooling, fire alarms, and broken appliances. These challenges can be stressful and disruptive to the trauma-informed environment the center strives to maintain for survivors.

With decades of engineering experience behind him, and recently retired, he recognized that he had the exact skillset needed —and chose to use it in service to River City’s mission. Since then, Bruce has become the person they count on for nearly everything that breaks, leaks, stops working, or needs refreshing.

Bruce’s story is inspiring because he recognized a need in the community and stepped into it with humility, heart, and a lifetime of expertise. That choice speaks volumes. Bruce reminds us that volunteerism isn’t limited to any one stage of life—and that sometimes the most impactful service comes from simply offering what you already know how to do. His quiet commitment, technical skill, and willingness to respond to problems most of us find intimidating have become an invaluable part of River City’s organization. Bruce has become part of the RCDVC family.  Bruce’s impact is everywhere—in the warm rooms, working appliances, and safe environment that help domestic violence survivors begin again.

Because of his commitment to serving our neighbors in need, United Way & Volunteer Services of Greater Yankton was honored to present Bruce Myers with the September 2025 Volunteer of the Month Award.

We asked Bruce to share more about his volunteerism, in his own words:

I have lived in Yankton since September 1980.

I have been volunteering most of my life in various ways.  But it really picked up after I retired in 2022.

I volunteer at Yankton Area Banquet, American Legion grocery delivery, Sack Pack Program, Food Pantry Distribution, Food for Thought, VFW Breakfast, DAV Driver, River City Domestic Violence Center, Lake Henry Kids Fishing Derby and in the past Big Friend/Little Friend.

Approximate hours that I volunteer: 900 per year?

Volunteer work is enjoyable because I can maybe see a smile on the face of those who I am helping.  Or getting a special thank you from them, really makes it why I volunteer.

My best volunteer experience is: Wow!  There were so many!  But probably when my wife and I were asked to become the Directors of the Yankton Area Banquet.  At that time in our life, it was the purpose that we needed at the time, and we have cherished it ever since.

The advice I would give to those thinking about volunteering, just “do it”.  You will not regret it.  There are a lot of volunteer opportunities out there so you could help a little or you can help a lot.  But like I mentioned earlier, the feeling you get when you help someone or an organization, it is Awesome!

Thank you, Bruce, for all you do! 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.