Shirley Flickinger is always keeping busy in the Lititz community. Next time you see her around, tell her, "Hey, Shirley, keep up the good work."

For Shirley, volunteering is good work, perhaps the best kind of work.

"I do (volunteering) because I love being helpful," said Shirley. "I love helping people. I love making our community a better place. It just makes my heart feel good. It's a good feeling."

Recently, Shirley was recognized for decades of giving back to the Lititz community.

In May, Shirley was named the Volunteer of the Year by the Pennsylvania Downtown Center (PDC), an organization that helps promote local business districts across the commonwealth. During the PDC's Townie Awards gala on May 28 in Bedford, the 82-year-old resident of Warwick Township accepted the award from PDC and was shown a video recounting her local volunteer activities.

"When I first found out about the award, I cried. I was very emotional," said Shirley. "I was very surprised. (The award presentation) was pretty cool. It was very exciting and very humbling. It was an awesome thing."

Shirley was nominated for the Volunteer of the Year award by the Venture Lititz Board of Directors, on which she served for nine years. Shirley still volunteers for every Venture Lititz event and activity.

But Shirley is also a longtime active volunteer with Lititz AMBUCS, the Lititz Women's Club and Lititz Springs Park. In addition, she and her husband, Bill "Flick" Flickinger, are regular volunteers at their church, St. Paul's Lutheran in Lititz.

"I just think in order to have a community like Lititz, it takes a lot of volunteers," said Shirley. "I love doing that. I love being a part of it. I always have. (Volunteering) is very important to our family."

"I care for (the Lititz community) a lot, and not just making the downtown wonderful," added Shirley. "I try to do what I can in the community. We always shop Lititz. I love the school district. I worked there, so it made me feel good to be a part of that also."

Since retiring from her position as a receptionist and secretary at the Warwick School District in 2005, Shirley has had an opportunity to volunteer more. She currently volunteers about 10 to 15 hours a week, some weeks more than others.

But volunteering has always been an important part of the life that Shirley has led.

"I always volunteered, but since I retired it's picked up," said Shirley. "Sometimes there's a lot going on. Most of our AMBUCS things are done together (with my husband). For Venture Lititz events, Flick helps me whenever I ask him to."

In addition to providing shared experiences with Flick, volunteering helps Shirley remain active. It's not why she does it; it's just a beneficial side effect.

"(Staying active) is very important," said Shirley. "I try to go to the Lititz recCenter every day, and I think that helps me with my energy level. It is a little scary when you first retire because you're not really sure how it's all going to work out."

For Shirley, it's hard to imagine a life that doesn't include volunteering.

"People need to know that for the community to stay vibrant, it takes volunteers," said Shirley. "I love doing everything. Volunteering doesn't cost you anything, just some time and energy. But it's important, very important."

For additional information on local volunteer opportunities, go to http://www.lititzpa.com.