2026 March Volunteer of the Month - Vicki Swensen

March often brings thoughts of luck: four-leaf clovers, pots of gold and chance moments of good fortune. Here in Yankton, we know our community doesn’t thrive because of luck. It thrives because of people who show up, give back, and care deeply for their neighbors. At United Way of Greater Yankton, we believe volunteers are essential in making our community a better place, and this month we are proud to recognize one of those individuals whose generosity and dedication have made a lasting impact: Vicki Swensen!

Nominated by Kriss Thury, Executive Director of The Center, Vicki was recognized not only for her leadership and service, but for her extraordinary impact she has made through The Center’s Rock-A-Thon and March for Meals program. As Kriss shared, “Vicki has become somewhat of a legend when it comes to the Rock-A-Thon.” Since 2021, Vicki has raised an incredible $54,918, helping provide over 11,000 meals to seniors in our community. Beyond her fundraising efforts, she has served nearly six years on The Center’s Board of Directors, including three years as Treasurer, and continues to be a welcoming presence at events and activities.

We asked Vicki to share more about her volunteer journey and what service means to her: 

I have lived here in the Greater Yankton area since: December 1969

I began volunteering: I was first a candy striper at the Wagner, SD Hospital as a junior in 1969. I volunteered in the late 1980s on a limited basis, as I had a full-time job and young children. I have volunteered a lot more since retiring in 2018.

I volunteer with: Sacred Heart Church – help count the collection and assist with the Bazaar; The Center – Board Treasurer, taking pictures of various activities for the newsletter, raising funds for Meals on Wheels the last six years, and serving as a greeter for special functions; General Federated Women’s Club (GFWC) – help pack bags for the Sack Pack Program; Catholic Daughters – Serve or donate food for The Banquet.

Approximate hours per year that I volunteer:50+ hours is my best guess

Volunteer work is enjoyable because: I enjoy interacting with people. It’s rewarding to help others. I feel like I am doing God’s work.

My best volunteer experience was: The Rock-A-Thon at The Center

The advice I would give to those thinking about getting out there and volunteering in their communities is: It is a very rewarding experience, knowing that one is helping others. It’s also a way to make new friends and socialize.

Thank you, Vicki, for your incredible dedication to serving others and for helping make Greater Yankton a stronger, more connected community!

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 volunteer@yanktonunitedway.org, or call United Way of Greater Yankton at (605) 665-6766.