Throughout my youth, my parents instilled in me that helping those around us is a personal responsibility; to leave all things better than you found them. My father, a firefighter, would often remind me, “What’s a small act for you can mean the world to someone else.” I watched him risk his comfort and safety for strangers, and I learned that service is measured not by grandeur, but by intention.

For the past five years, I have carried this call to action into my work with the National Museum and Center for Service. I am surrounded by a team of changemakers dedicated to honoring service in our nation, one community at a time.

We celebrate firefighters and teachers, mentors and neighbors — ordinary people whose actions ripple outward. Being part of this mission has deepened my belief that service builds bridges and restores hope.

Please join me in supporting NMCFS this holiday season.