Volunteering has given Jim Wenger a platform. Backed by actions, his humble message of hope, involvement and opportunity is meant to encourage others, promote thinking and affect change.

"I think it's important to be an example and hopefully inspire others to volunteer," said Wenger. "If this can do that, then I'm all in. There is so much to be done in our communities. The benefits of volunteering aren't just the performing of a task; it's connecting with people."

Wenger is a leader, a role model and a lifelong volunteer.

Recently in Erie, Wenger was honored with the prestigious Outstanding Board Leadership Townie Award by the Pennsylvania Downtown Center for his dedication to the beautification and development of Lititz's downtown. Wenger served as the president of Venture Lititz's board of directors from 2011 to 2023.

"I volunteer to get to know people and make a difference in the community," said Wenger. "If you get involved, you're forced to interact. I think that's what keeps our Lititz community grounded and a great place to live. There's a large sense of satisfaction. Because of the work we put in with downtown Lititz, it's definitely different. Now, we have a variety of businesses. It just has evolved into other things. People love to come and visit and check it out."

Wenger, a resident of Lititz and a managing partner of Derck & Edson, a local planning, engineering and design firm, is also an advocate for volunteering. He contends that there is a plethora of local volunteer opportunities out there and that there exists a certain level of disconnect between the charitable causes and interested individuals.

"There are probably hundreds of volunteer opportunities," said Wenger. "Schools, PTOs, service organizations, nonprofits - they all need volunteers. There's just a huge list of groups for people to get involved with. I just hear so many people say they need help. I think they all need help."

"I think all people have an opportunity to volunteer on some level," he added. "Anybody can pick up trash. Can everybody lead a board? No. Some of these things don't require skills, only effort. I think a lot of people don't realize how many opportunities there are."

In addition to his work with Venture Lititz, Wenger also chairs the leadership team at his place of worship, Lititz Church of the Brethren. In the past, he served as a treasurer and team manager for boys' and girls' soccer programs in the Warwick School District.

"I don't do any of it for recognition," said Wenger. "I like to be behind the scenes and get things done. But if you don't recognize it, then people won't know things need to be done."

For Jim, volunteering is a Wenger family tradition; it's a frame of mind he inherited from his parents. While it's always been very important, it may have become even more important as he's grown older.

"It's always been part of my life because my parents set that example," said Wenger. "Once you get involved, you see other people doing more than you, and it becomes a growing snowball. The flip side of that is that you have to be able to say 'no.' If you can't do it well, your efforts become watered down.

"Volunteering does make a difference," concluded Wenger.