Lincoln resident gives back through volunteerism
Moving here two years ago, Lincoln resident Whitney Eklund, 40, is now actively involved in the community by volunteering with three local nonprofit organizations.
She volunteers with the Friends of the Lincoln Library, the Woman’s Club of Lincoln and the Lincoln Area Chamber of Commerce.
In 2020, Eklund and her family moved from west Roseville to Lincoln.
“My family and I had just moved into our home in Twelve Bridges, and I knew right away I wanted to get involved with the community,” Eklund said. “I had a conversation with (then mayor) Alyssa Silhi and had asked her for recommendations for nonprofits. Right away, she recommended the Lincoln Public Library and the Woman’s Club of Lincoln.”
The following week, Eklund joined Friends of the Lincoln Library, which supports the Lincoln Public Library, and became the organization’s hospitality director.
Eklund’s duties include being a volunteer liaison for students and adults at library events.
Eklund also runs the library’s social media platforms.
“I try to utilize that tool as much as possible for awareness and local advertising,” Eklund said.
Not long after she began volunteering with the library, Eklund joined the Woman’s Club of Lincoln and became assistant club treasurer. Eklund wants to help increase the Woman’s Club’s budget with more earnings, so the club can continue to positively impact Lincoln.
Through her community involvement in Lincoln, Eklund made friends with small business owners who encouraged her to become a Lincoln Area Chamber of Commerce member six months after joining the Woman’s Club.
“With the chamber, I’ve had a chance to visit horse ranches, gun shop owners, gorgeous wineries and breweries, while witnessing the tremendous growth that’s happening around our city,” Eklund said.
She is a chamber ambassador.
“I have only worked with Whitney for the past six months but what I can say is she (Eklund) is devoted to our community,” said Lincoln Area Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Officer Tom Indrieri. “As an ambassador, she (Eklund) helps with events, mixers and is supportive to our members who may need things that staff can’t always get to.”
Indrieri described Eklund as a “breath of fresh air with her positive energy.”
Of all that she does, Eklund is most proud of her service as a mother.
“I feel like I am shaping my daughters’ future by leading by example,” Eklund said. “I tell my girls that the greatest gift you can give is your time.”
Her children will always be her priority, Eklund said, and she focuses on volunteering while her daughters are in school.
“It’s really helpful that my husband chips in with driving and dinners when my responsibilities such as (volunteer) events happen in the evening,” Eklund said.
What is Eklund’s favorite part about living in Lincoln?
“I enjoy the community, culture and safety of Lincoln the most,” Eklund said. “There is a town pride you feel from people, whether you’re in the library, grabbing lunch downtown or attending one of our beautiful parades. I love its diversity and its potential.”
View Original Publication: Gold County Media