Lancaster Volunteers Power 4 Big Community Events This Spring

Four major community events across Lancaster County are calling for volunteers to help thousands of families connect, celebrate, and prepare for success this spring and summer.

The lineup includes everything from a unity celebration to one of the county's largest student support efforts. Together, they represent hundreds of volunteer opportunities between now and August.

First up is the Race Against Racism on April 25 at Musser Park in Lancaster. The YWCA Lancaster hosts the 8 a.m. to noon event, which needs volunteers to manage intersections, support kids' activities, and help with the park celebration. The event brings the community together around awareness and inclusion.

On May 9, Open Streets Lancaster transforms city streets into open spaces for movement and connection from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Lancaster Recreation Commission needs volunteers to help with guest engagement and crowd flow as neighbors explore their city in a new way.

The Rotary Club of Lancaster's Wheels and Wings Event follows on May 15 and 16, combining a festival with a 5K race. Volunteers will set up courses, manage water stations, and guide participants through a day of family-friendly activity.

The biggest volunteer push comes for the 15th annual Back to School Event on August 9. This countywide effort provides essential school supplies to local students, ensuring they start the year ready to learn. Volunteers are needed as early as mid-July to sort items, then again in August for distribution, setup, and guest support.

The Ripple Effect

When volunteers show up for these events, they create connections that last well beyond a single Saturday morning. The Back to School Event alone helps hundreds of families feel supported as summer ends. The Race Against Racism sparks conversations about unity that continue in workplaces and dinner tables across the county.

Each volunteer shift strengthens the fabric of Lancaster County, proving that neighbors showing up for neighbors creates the kind of community where everyone can thrive.

Registration is open now for all four events through United Way of Lancaster County's volunteer portal.