Volunteer Spotlight: Andrea Hedinger

Volunteer Spotlight is an ongoing series calling attention to members of the local volunteer community in an attempt to recognize their efforts and encourage others to get involved.

Andrea Hedinger is a young woman with an impressive list of duties and a busy schedule. Vice President of Sales/Marketing at Hedinger Beverage, Andrea also volunteers her time with a host of local non-profit organizations and initiatives:  Big Brothers Big Sisters, Jasper Chamber of Commerce Board (secretary), Jasper Hometown Competitiveness project, Strassenfest Committee, Emerging Leaders, and the Southwest Chapter of the Indiana University Alumni Club.

However, when talking about a range of commitments that many would find daunting, Hedinger expresses nothing but passion for these causes. Well-spoken and personable, Hedinger enthusiastically shared her inspirations for volunteering. “I like being able to help change our community for the better. When I lived in Indianapolis, I felt the volunteer scene was too large-scale, too based on national non-profits. While those accomplish great things, I realized upon moving back to Dubois County that I like being involved with the local, grassroots efforts. It’s nice to see the direct results of your work.”

According to Hedinger, this spirit of “giving back” has always been a part of her life. As a child, her family took her to volunteer events.  Her high school days saw her involved in service through groups like the Key Club.  Corporate charity efforts at Hedinger Beverage only continued the trend. Ultimately, she believes her choice to become so immersed in the volunteer community came naturally. “I have no doubt that my experiences and values from early in life led me to where I am now. When children are taught that it’s a good thing to get involved in their community, they grow up to be adults that don’t think it’s unusual to give up a portion of their time toward unpaid work.”

She maintains that the rewards of volunteering are abundant. “I’ve had the chance to meet, network with, and get to know personally so many great people I’d otherwise never have connected with, even though I live right here. Volunteering really makes you a part of the community,” Hedinger says.

Though it’s a lot of work, the lighthearted moments of volunteering do shine through. “I have the best time with my Little Sister,” she says, referring to her role at Big Brothers Big Sisters. “I get to do all these fun activities I otherwise wouldn’t make time for, and it really makes me feel like a kid again sometimes.”

The rewards aren’t purely personal though; Hedinger believes that these organizations, some of which currently find themselves in the local spotlight, mark a positive change for the county. Working alongside the new city government, Hedinger maintains that the Jasper Hometown Competitiveness project is giving voice to many people in the community, letting them take an active role in improving their home.

She feels that the Emerging Leaders program offers a similar opportunity, specifically toward younger, up-and-coming citizens of the county. “This initiative is giving young people a chance to be part of the solution, to change Dubois County rather than simply sit on the sidelines and complain about things they wish would improve.”

These are all chances for progress that Hedinger feels must not be missed. “Things are different now. It’s getting harder for public budgets to cover all our needs, and the power of government funds is limited. More and more, people are going to have to realize that the well-being of our community is primarily up to us.”

But what if people don’t have the time to get involved or just lack interest?

“There’s this attitude that someone else is always going to be there to pick up the slack. That’s just not true. If you cut yourself off from the community, you’re limiting your own life, and when the problem is widespread, the community itself will even suffer the effects of that neglect,” Hedinger replies. “Your contribution doesn’t always have to be something grand in scope. Just find people who need help, even in your own neighborhood, and start to pitch in.”