Volunteer Profile: Lori

At United Way, we understand the power of neighbors helping neighbors. One of those dedicated changemakers is Lori Villegas. For more than 15 years, Lori’s spirit of service has inspired her to devote her time and talent to uplifting her community through the United Way of Central Maryland.  

Lori’s journey began with a desire to give more intentionally. “I wanted my giving to be mindful and thoughtful,” she shared. “The more I learned about United Way, the more I loved the work being done in the community.” 

Since then, Lori has supported the community in countless ways — reading to students, helping build school libraries, painting classrooms, and preparing meals for neighbors in need. Much of her service has been through Women United and the Tocqueville Society, where members connect their passion and resources to meaningful opportunities that strengthen local communities. 

Over the summer, Lori and her family joined board members and fellow volunteers at Filbert Street Garden, a vibrant community garden in Baltimore. The space provides fresh produce and environmental education to local residents. Together, volunteers weeded, planted, and tended the garden, helping ensure it continues to thrive as a valuable neighborhood resource. 

For Lori, the day was about more than gardening. It was a chance for leaders and families to roll up their sleeves, connect with neighbors, and invest in Baltimore’s future. “Every time we come, it feels like we’re making a small but real difference,” she said. 

This is just one example of how small acts of kindness will blossom into bigger stories of impact and deepen the meaning of togetherness.