Dear Friends,

In my experience, the act of hand writing thank you notes is the very best way to stay positive, maintain internal peace, and strengthen connections with others. Thinking of a person and expressing gratitude for a very specific reason, addressing and mailing a card creates a chain reaction of benefits for both the writer and the recipient. Giving and receiving thank you notes boosts happiness as cited in study after study. I have a little red wagon full of hand written thank you notes that I’ve received over the years and it continues to bring me happiness every time I walk into my office. Hand written thank you notes are AI proof and remain a sacred gesture between two human beings.

What better time than the end of the calendar year, the holiday season, to send hand written thank you notes, holiday cards, and other greetings of gratitude? Let it be a favored & savored activity for remembering others rather than a dreaded, overwhelming task. For readers of this note who are serving in a non profit capacity, thank you notes are not only a nice gesture, but an important service to our donors and stakeholders. Year-end thank you notes and acknowledgements can be a fun staff or volunteer activity. Have board members individually sign thank you notes to boost the personalization. Paperclip a picture or special printout to the note or include a relevant quote. Don’t worry about penmanship or perfection in the words you choose. Be authentic, be grateful, and be the cause of happiness in others!

Thank you for your continued engagement with Leadership Harrisburg Area and The Community Caller – please check out the array of opportunities to serve outlined below. And THANK YOU to our friends at PSECU for their continued support of this important program.

Enjoy your holiday celebrations and Happy New Year!

Una Martone

President & CEO

Leadership Harrisburg Area 

Listed Chronologically by Event Date

Opening Reception: All Access Harrisburg

December 19, 2025 | Art Association of Harrisburg | 5 - 8 PM

“All Access Harrisburg” is a four-man photography show focusing on Pennsylvania’s capital city. Photographers William Hicks, Dr. Eliseo Rosario, Ron Steficek, and Michael Yatsko will display together their many takes on Harrisburg and her inhabitants. (Click the Graphic for Details)

Call for Volunteers: Estamos Unidos de Pennsylvania

December 21, 2025 | John Harris High School

Estamos Unidos de PA is again planning the Children's Christmas Party celebration, where close to 800 children and their families come to celebrate the kindness, solidarity, and uniqueness of our diverse communities. Volunteer Opportunities for Saturday December 20 from 9AM -1 PM and on Sunday December 21st from 1 - 6 PM. Click the graphic if you would like to volunteer for 12/20/25 (Community service wrapping and decorations from 9 am to 1 pm.) or to volunteer for the actual Children's Christmas party on 12/21/25 from 1 to 6 pm.

Holiday Variety Show

December 19, 2025 | Strawberry Square | 6 - 9 PM

Celebrate the Season with the Strawberry Square Music Series Holiday Variety Show! We’ve curated a killer mix of performers -- all local, all ready to bring their magic to the stage:DJ EMD - Holiday tunes to kick things off, Paul Hood – A nostalgic radio play with a holiday slant, Open Stage – A special holiday theatre performance, Hyena Skits – Comedy troupe serving up laughs, The Rhythm Lounge – Dance demonstration to raise some holiday cheer, River the Bubble Magician – Interactive magic that’ll wow the whole crowd, Theatre Harrisburg – A sneak preview of their 100th anniversary, Gamut Theatre Group – Improv Comedy Set, Oversoon – "An Oversoon Christmas" live band closing out the night with original holiday tunes and pop hits, Between each act, our DJ EMD will keep the music flowing and the energy festive!

(Click the Graphic for Details)

2026 NYE Celebration: The City of Harrisburg

December 31, 2025 | 2nd Street | 8:30 PM - 12 AM

The City of Harrisburg will host the annual New Year’s Eve (NYE) Celebration featuring the strawberry drop and fireworks at midnight along 2nd Street. There will also be a Kid’s Glow Party sponsored by Capital Blue Cross featuring a glow balloon drop, face painting, balloon animals, crafts, snacks, and more starting at 8:30pm inside City Hall. Kids should wear their brightest neon and white to glow under the blacklights! (Click the Graphic for Details)

Countdown to 100: Theatre Harrisburg New Year's Eve Party

December 31, 2025 | King Mansion | 9 PM - 12 AM

Theatre Harrisburg is proud to celebrate 100 years of community in Central PA by hosting COUNTDOWN TO 100 - A NEW YEAR’S CELEBRATION. Now celebrating its historic 100th Season, Theatre Harrisburg continues to honor its past while looking toward the future—expanding opportunities for local artists, engaging new audiences, and advancing its mission of making “community take center stage.”  With an open bar, dancing, cigar lounge, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and a champagne toast at midnight, King Mansion is the place to be on December 31st! Elegant attire – 1920’s fashion encouraged!

(Click the Graphic for Details)

Grief Talk Webinar: Highmark Caring Place

January 7, 2026 | Virtual | 2-3 PM

As the holidays approach, we know this can be a challenging time for many, especially those grieving the loss of a loved one. Save the date for our January Grief Talks webinar, from 2:00-3:30PM (ET) “What is a Death Doula? Holding Space for Life’s Final Chapter.” We are excited to highlight the experience and expertise of Beth Montgomery, certified Death Doula. This talk invites you to discover how death doulas walk alongside families, help transform fear into connection, and support both the dying and the living through the most universal human experience. You’ll leave with insights, practices, and resources that will change how you think about (and show up for) death.

(Click the Graphic to Register)

Magic Night 2026: Pearls & Prosecco

March 7, 2026 | Colonial Golf & Tennis Club

Join us for a magical evening in March!! Our annual gala event will take place on Saturday, March 7, at Colonial Golf & Tennis Club. Hear from our guest speaker about just how important the work of UCP Central PA is to so many in the community. There will be signature drinks, fabulous food, amazing auction items at a variety of price points, and most importantly, the opportunity to soak in the camaraderie of a roomful of people committed—for at least one evening—to a common cause: Life without limits for people of all abilities. Don’t forget your dancing shoes—The Uptown Band will be making another return appearance. Tickets are going fast, so reserve yours now!! Sponsorship, advertising and volunteer opportunities still available! Call or email Christine Bucher at 717-737-3477 x151,Christine.bucher@ucpcentralpa.org to learn more

(Click the Graphic for Details)

Art Builds Homes: Habitat for Humanity

March 27, 2026 | Penn Harris Hotel | 6 PM

We are thrilled to announce this year’s Art Auction—an evening dedicated to celebrating creativity, community, and impact. Each year, this event continues to grow, thanks to the incredible support from donors, artists, and attendees like you. Your generosity helps fuel our mission and brings meaningful change through the arts. Thank you for giving back and being a part of this journey. We can’t wait to share another unforgettable evening with you.

(Click the Graphic for Details)

Register Now: Beyond Leadership

March 27, 2026 | Cooper Student Center | 8 AM - 4 PM

Beyond Leadership is a summit focused on servant leadership featuring LHA’s original curriculum the 10 Essentials of Servant Leadership in a fast-paced, interactive, multi-media format that will engage each person in activities and dialogue. Individual and self-reflective activities combined with group and team activities create a rich and robust experience and lots of new connections too. Facilitated by LHA’s President & CEO, Una Martone, Beyond Leadership incorporates a history of servant leadership and explores best practices from local and international organizations. (Click the Graphic to Register)

Save the Date: 6th Annual Central PA Volunteer Fair

April 20, 2026 | Commonwealth Charter Academy | 4 - 6 PM

Friends! If you are looking for a perfect opportunity to match your interests, skills & talents with service to a community group, non profit organization, faith based, or school based program, please join Leadership Harrisburg Area for the 6^th Annual Central PA Volunteer Fair. Up to 75 groups will be hosting informational stations designed to share their needs, hear your interests, and discover potential fits for volunteer roles.  It’s a one-stop-shop for community service and there’s no other event quite like this in all of Central Pennsylvania.  

Seeking Committee Members - American Red Cross

The American Red Cross of Central PA is seeking 3-5 new philanthropy committee members. The philanthropy committee is a subcommittee of our chapter board of directors. Primary roles include developing and implementing fundraising plans and strategies to achieve revenue targets. The candidate works in partnership with the philanthropy committee chair, executive director and financial development staff. To inquire, contact Laura Burke, Executive Director, at Laura.Burke@redcross.org. (Click the Graphic for Details)

Seeking Board Members - Beahive Affordable Housing

🐝 Ready to make a buzz in your community? Beahive is looking for passionate changemakers to join our Board of Directors or serve on committees in marketing, finance, grant writing, or event planning. Help us build something beautiful! Contact Samara Scott, Executive Director:

sscott@beahivehousing.org #MakeYourHiveAHome

(Click the Graphic for Details)

Call for Volunteers: Capital Area Therapeutic Riding Association

If you enjoy spending time in the fresh air, making new friends and interacting with people with disabilities and the animals that help them, Capital Area Therapeutic Riding Association Inc. (CATRA) in East Hanover Township, near Grantville, is looking for volunteers of all ages to help us with our therapeutic horseback riding lessons and animal care. Since 1985, Capital Area Therapeutic Riding Association (CATRA), a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, has provided quality equine and animal-assisted therapeutic programs to the people of the Capital area, including Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, Schuylkill and York counties each week. For more information, please contact Ben Nolt at 717-649-9822 or go to catra.net/volunteer 

(Click the Graphic for Details)

Seeking Board Member - Central Pennsylvania Conservancy

A local land conservation organization, Central Pennsylvania Conservancy

(CPC), seeks to fill a vacancy for the Treasurer position on its Board of Directors. Since 1982, CPC's mission has been to acquire, preserve, and protect local land and natural resources in South-Central Pennsylvania. Serving a core geographic area of Cumberland, Perry, and Franklin counties, CPC aims to create a local network of permanently protected lands, through funding partnerships, fostering a community committed to conservation, and acquiring key lands and conservation easements. The Board meets six times per year, typically on the third Tuesday every other month. To learn more about this opportunity and its responsibilities, please contact Board President Anna Yelk, at 717-756-9763, ayelk@centralpaconservancy.org, or, Executive Director Peggy Fogarty, at 717-241-4360, pfogarty@centralpaconservancy.org.

Seeking Board Members - Harrisburg Singers

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact in our community? We are currently seeking enthusiastic and dedicated individuals to join our Board of Directors. As a board member, you will help guide our organization’s mission, contribute to important decisions, and collaborate with a dynamic team of leaders. If you are committed to making a difference and have skills or experience in leadership, marketing, fundraising, or community engagement, we want to hear from you! All backgrounds and perspectives are welcome. To apply or learn more, please contact us at TheHarrisburgSingers@gmail.com or visit our website at www.TheHarrisburgSingers.org. (Click the Graphic for Details)

Call for Volunteers - Junior Achievement

Who will you inspire this year? Last year we inspired 113,416 local students thanks to you - our volunteers! It's time to sign up to volunteer for JA programs during the 2025-26 school year. Register for one or more JA BizTown, YES!, STEM Summit, or REAL Life programs through our registration form. The registration link will show a complete list of dates in chronological order for the 25/26 school year. Once you register, JA's simple process provides training, logistics, and reminders to make volunteering a success!

(Click the Graphic for Details)

To learn more about any of our volunteer-led programs, please see our Volunteer Overview: Volunteer Overview

Call for Volunteers - Kareems Mission

Volunteers Needed! Join us at Kareem’s Mission Autism Center to make a difference for children and families. Flexible hours • Training provided • Impact that lasts a lifetime! Email info@hagirnetwork.com

Call for Volunteers - LHM Social Services Foundation

LHM Social Services Foundation is opening its Harrisburg-area Horizons transitional housing program in January 2026! The Horizons program will serve unhoused individuals and families, providing a place to live, meals, and supportive programing in a community setting. Volunteer in the Horizons program with our Beam Teams, serving at reception, with meal service, and more! Visit www.lhm-foundation.org or contact Mel Cronin, Volunteer Coordinator, at mel.cronin@lhm-foundation.org or 717.402.6317, to learn more. Help chart a course toward housing security for those in need!

Seeking Board Members - NAMI Central PA

Are you passionate about mental health? Interested in gaining or growing your experience on a nonprofit board while supporting a mission that changes lives? NAMI Central PA (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is seeking a motivated and mission-driven individual to join our Board of Directors. NAMI Central PA is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness through free education, advocacy, and support programs. We are a grassroots, volunteer-driven organization committed to reducing stigma and promoting mental wellness in our region. We are currently seeking a board member who: Is passionate about mental health and community advocacy, Wants to gain or build on experience serving on a nonprofit board, Has experience in fundraising, donor engagement, or development strategies, Has working knowledge of business financial statements and accounting principles, Is committed to advancing the mission of NAMI through leadership and service, Has a commitment to the community. Contact April Downing:717.233.1164

(adowning@namicentralpa.org) for more information.

Seeking Volunteers - Thrive Center for Independent Living

Volunteers Needed! Help Us Make a Difference. Are you passionate about helping others? We’re looking for dedicated volunteers to support our mission of providing free services to disabled residents in Dauphin, Cumberland, Perry, and Juniata Counties. Your time and talent can uplift lives and strengthen our community. Interested? Contact Jahlysa Garcia at jgarcia@thrivecil.org or call 717-346-0279 to learn more and get involved. Together, we thrive.

(Click the Graphic for Details)

Calling All Compassionate Hearts - Interns Needed!

We need your help! Our wildlife center is facing a critical shortage of animal care coverage as we head into late summer and fall. If you've ever dreamed of making a real difference in the lives of wild animals, now is your chance! We're seeking dedicated wildlife care interns to join our team, and we need tons of help during this busy season. If you're ready for an incredibly impactful experience, learn more and apply today! Come join us and the rest of the critters! (Click the Graphic for Details)

Wildheart Ministries Events & Volunteer Opportunities

Love the Hill Wildheart Ministries is seeking individuals for various Volunteering Opportunities. Volunteer as an individual or as a group with an organization. Check out all of their upcoming events volunteering days, and Weekly Produce offers from The Hill Farm! Check them out and see which opportunity is best for you! (Click the Graphic for Details)

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Leadership Harrisburg Area is proud to partner with Community Aid. Did you know that we can earn income through your donations? Simply provide LHA’s partner number with your next donation: 50330.

Seeking Nominations - Kareem's Mission Awards

Kareem’s Mission Autism Support is proud to announce the launch of the Kareem’s Mission Awards, honoring extraordinary individuals who embody our values of unity, inclusion, hope, advocacy, and transformation. Each spring during Autism Awareness Month, we come together at our Annual Awards Luncheon – April 11, 2026, to celebrate changemakers across the U.S. who are making a real difference in their communities. Anyone may submit a nomination — including self-nominations! A panel of judges will review all entries with fairness and integrity. If you know someone who inspires others through their compassion, leadership, or advocacy — nominate them today! Help us honor the individuals who are building a more inclusive and supportive world for those on the autism spectrum and beyond.

Award Categories: Nomination Period: November 1 – February 1

-The S.K.I. Award – Service, Kindness & Inclusion

-The A.B.L.E. Award – Advocacy, Bravery, Leadership & Empowerment

-The U.N.I.T.Y. Award – Understanding, Nurturing, Inclusion, Togetherness & Youth Engagement

-The H.O.P.E. Award – Hold On, Pain Ends (Mental Health & Compassion)

-The L.I.G.H.T. Award – Leadership, Impact, Growth, Hope & Transformation

(Click the Graphic to submit Nomination)

Job Opportunity: Grants Program Officer - TFEC

The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC) is actively seeking a highly motivated and dynamic individual to administer a vital aspect of our mission. This role will play a crucial part in driving community impact and strengthening donor support through our grant program. Join us in making a meaningful difference! (Click the Graphic for Details)

The Community Caller is emailed to over 2700 subscribers on a regular schedule every month. The goal of the publication is to match people and resources with service opportunities and missions & programs that benefit the community. Announcements are placed primarily by non profit organizations, educational institutions, and other community organizations. If you would like to include an event or announcement in the next issue, please feel free to contact LHA with detailed information including:

• Organization Website
• Contact Name, Phone Number and Email
• Date of Event
• Specific Request
• Description
• Attach a flyer of the event, if applicable

Please send submissions to Operations and Program Support Manager, Alexis Jones at ajones@leadershipharrisburg.org or call 717-934-0760. All content is subject to approval by LHA and may be edited for space.

Be sure to ask about sponsorship opportunities for The Community Caller!