Diane Smith is leading her best life. It is a rich, fulfilling existence in which volunteering plays a major role - and not just because doing good and helping others is important.

Smith has the heart of a Susquehanna Valley Team River Runner, and she is following her heart.

"I think everyone has a time in their life when they might need someone or need something from someone," said Smith. "I want to be that person who can help, even if it's a small gesture. Mental health is such a big deal or should be. Being able to participate and being there for someone is very important."

A 1995 graduate of Conestoga Valley High School, Smith notes that her altruistic spirit was nurtured growing up. Her mother fostered more than 100 children, her father served as a police officer for East Lampeter Township and her teachers and developmental learning experience in the Conestoga Valley School District inspired her.

Now as an adult, Smith's soul for giving back has blossomed.

"I had a really fun high school experience," said Smith. "I was in the band; I was a band geek. I was in chorus. I was big into singing and acting. We went to all the football games, and I had a lot of friends. In high school, I got into science, IT (information technology) and nursing. I feel like I learned (the importance of helping others) from my parents."

Smith is employed as an IT support specialist at R.W. Sauder's Eggs in Lititz. She's been volunteering with the nonprofit Susquehanna Valley Team River Runner (SVTRR) for nearly a decade, after being introduced to the sport of whitewater kayaking.

"I got involved with whitewater kayaking, and a year after I started, I heard about (SVTRR)," said Smith. "I started falling in love with the sport, the community, the people and everything about it. Growing up, I had some jobs in special education and working with kids. I volunteered at the Humane League when I was younger, helped walk dogs and take care of animals. I was very intrigued by the idea of rehabilitating people. That caught my eye."

Based in Harrisburg, SVTRR is a local branch of a national organization that assists veterans, some of whom are experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and individuals with disabilities, including blindness, many of whom reside in Lancaster County. Water sports and paddle sports are just two of the tools that SVTRR employs to socially support the nearly 300 participants and encourage active and healthy lifestyles.

Some of SVTRR's good work is performed on the Conestoga River and in the pool at the YMCA of the Roses, 265 Harrisburg Ave., Lancaster.

"When I volunteer, I feel excited and proud," said Smith. "I feel really excited because I want to share in (participants') joy, like, 'I did this thing.' You encourage them. But they encourage me as well."

Smith volunteers with SVTRR about 30 hours a month. One of her volunteer duties involves serving as a guide for in-water participants, some of whom are legally blind.

"It's been like the best experience," said Smith. "We all have safety-water training. Working with all of (the participants) has been so life changing. We're there to help them be the best that they can be. My challenges are nothing compared to what they have on a daily basis."

Through her involvement in water sports and SVTRR, Smith met and befriended the organization's coordinator, Jen Eaton, and the man Smith says has become the love of her life, Greg Spath, who also volunteers with SVTRR.

"We're all like Susquehanna Valley Team River family," said Smith. "I've made long-lasting friendships. Jen is like one of my ducklings, so I guard her and protect her, and I do that for all of (the participants). Jen's such an inspiring person, and I gravitate toward that. Being out in nature, you get to see so many things most people don't get to see. The people I'm with are so grateful to be there."

During the month of March, SVTRR is partnering with City Center YMCA of the Roses to sponsor a "Stuff the Kayak" clothing drive for local nonprofit CommunityAid. New or gently used clothing can be dropped off at the lobby of YMCA of the Roses during hours of operation, Mondays through Thursdays from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For additional information, go to http://www.svtrr.org.