Volunteering Spirit Runs in the Family

Originally published in the Lebanon Daily News

Bob Phillips is no stranger to volunteering in the community. As a long-time volunteer and board member of many organizations, such as the Good Samaritan Hospital, Community of Lebanon Association, Lebanon Lions Club, to name a few, he knows about giving back. He has been a Board President, Campaign Chair, board member and all around volunteer and champion of the United Way of Lebanon County for over 25 years.

But, now, volunteering for the United Way of Lebanon County has become even more meaningful. It is a family project. Joining him on the 2008 United Way of Lebanon County Campaign Cabinet, is his daughter and business partner in Robert J. Phillips State Farm Insurance, Hannah Phillips. "Working with Hannah on projects like these, strengthens our family ties. It is very rewarding," says Phillips. "Philanthropy and volunteerism are things that both my daughters have seen in our family through example and now they are getting involved. It's great to see young professionals in our community stepping up as the next generation of leaders."

Ms. Phillips, who has been making corporate calls for the United Way of Lebanon County with her father and is a first-time donor this year, says, "I work downtown, so I try to be involved and support local businesses and community projects, like the Chamber, the CLA Holiday Parade, and the United Way."

Bob Phillips hopes that Hannah's experience in volunteering will be as rewarding as his has been. "It has been heartwarming to work with the hundreds of volunteers who are involved with United Way and care so much about Lebanon County and its future," says Phillips. "My family has had so many blessings, living and working in this community. I think we all want to share what we can with others."

When asked about why they chose United Way, Ms. Phillips said, "I know that when I give my money to the United Way, it's going to good use." Her father added, "It is an efficient way to help the community. Most of us don't have the time or expertise to screen agencies and determine where the greatest needs in the community are, and how they are best being addressed. United Way does that for us." He adds, "These are tough times economically. This is the best time to give, when the needs are the greatest. That is why I hope everyone will LIVE UNITED this year."