We help you help your community.
Join our growing network of enthusiastic volunteers to learn, grow, and make an impact in your community through Sioux Empire United Way's network of supported agencies. We help members better understand the human service needs – providing for children, vulnerable adults, and people in crisis – right here at home.
In 2023, Volunteer United – formally known as Emerging Leaders – made an incredible impact in the Sioux Empire donating over 360 volunteer hours. We hosted solo, hybrid, and group events creating over 16,300 instances of impact. Check out our full impact report here!
Upcoming Events
Check out our events calendar to see how you can get involved!
Join us for Buddy Up with Volunteer United! This exciting event invites you to team up with a friend and make a meaningful impact in our community. We’ll kick off with a volunteer activity at Active Generations, followed by a guided tour of the facility. For the volunteer activity, volunteers will be making Christmas cards for Meals on Wheels recipients, as well as decorating bags. Afterward, you'll learn more about Sioux Empire United Way and the various opportunities available to be involved and support our mission through volunteer work.
When you sign up, please include your buddy's email address so we can remind them of the event. If you’re not sure who you’re bringing yet, that’s okay! Just check in when you arrive on the 21st. Don’t miss out on the chance to double the fun and the impact—sign up today and receive a special appreciation gift for participating!
Join us at Delta Dental of South Dakota to assemble oral health kits! We'll put together bags for children in the Sioux Falls School District and assemble New Smile bags for new parents at local hospitals.
Volunteers can park on the street on the West and South sides of the Non-Profit Center. There is an entrance in front across from the Canaries Birdcage.
Join Volunteer United & The Community Outreach at this year's Sharing Christmas store! Families who have graduated through the adopt a family program or are connected through other nonprofits, such as Hope Coalition, are invited to shop the store for gifts for their children.
Last year, we helped Community Outreach serve a total of 415 parents and over 1,200 children receive gifts for Christmas. This year, volunteers will help set up the store, place price tags on items, help families pick out gifts, assist with checkout, and/or help carry bags to vehicles.
Volunteers are not expected to serve all four days. Please pick the time slot that works best for you!
Join Volunteer United at St. Francis House for an afternoon of baking!
Volunteers will work alongside guests to prepare, bake, and package holiday treats. This is the perfect opportunity for individuals that enjoy socializing, baking, and moving people from Homelessness to Hope!
We ask that volunteers please wear close-toed shoes and tie long hair back. If you do not feel well the 1-2 days prior to the event, please let us know. We want to make sure we're protecting everyone during the holiday season and we will completely understand if you can't make it!
We look forward to seeing you there!
Steering Committee Members
Chair: Anna Jankord – Viaflex (2019-2021) (2021-2023) (Chair 2022-2024)
Special Events Co-Chair: Nick Hausman – First Bank & Trust (2022-2024)
Special Events Co-Chair: Hailey Srstka – Grand Prairie Foods (2023-2025)
Volunteer Activities Co-Chair: Brett Anderson – First Western Bank (2022-2024)
Volunteer Activities Co-Chair: Madeline Snyder – Avera Health (2023-2025)
Volunteer Engagement Chair: Keith Cutler – Midco (2022-2024)
Marketing Co-Chair: Megan Jung – Think 3D (2023-2025)
Marketing Co-Chair: Abby Andal – Midco (2024-2026)