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Tag: APP Everyday Heroes

  • Del Couch gives aspiring musicians the tools they need

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    PALMETTO, Fla. — Through his Del Couch Music Education Foundation, a Manatee County man is helping young people pursue their goal of being musicians, singers or even recording studio engineers.

    What You Need To Know

    • Dell Couch started the Del Couch Music Education Foundation to give back to the community after a career in music and real estate

    • The foundation provides musical instruments, lessons and opportunities to perform

    • Couch operates a production studio for student training inside the Manatee School for the Arts


    Longtime musician Del Couch said an act of kindness in high school motivated him to start his nonprofit — his band instructor gave him a trumpet so he could play in the high school band. Couch went on to play in the United States Air Force Band for several years, and then performed in bands for decades.

    Couch eventually transitioned into a real estate career, but in the 1990s he went to the Berklee College of Music and got a master’s degree in music production. He opened his own music production studio and started his foundation.

    In 2012, the Manatee School for the Arts allowed Couch to move the studio into the school.

    Couch now teaches students how to use the studio to produce music. His foundation also provides students with musical instruments and lessons, among other things.

    “It’s an opportunity rare to get,” Couch said. “Especially at no cost. That’s the biggest thing. No parent or student pays for anything.”

    On a recent morning Couch was in the studio with high school senior Jayden Bell to work on the mix for some Latin-style music.

    “And we are doctoring the mix,” Couch said. “So, he is going to add a little sparkle to the drums. And a little bottom to the bass.”

    Bell has been training in the recording studio for four years and sees it as invaluable.

    “Well, I get the opportunity to do stuff that you can’t really do anywhere else in the country with people that have been doing this a long time that want to do this for the love of it,” he said.

    Dell also works with lots of the students at the school who are forming bands. He gives them advice on their performances and sets up music events where the bands can play in front of large crowds.

    “They get an opportunity to play in these events on major stages that they would never get before,” he said.

    Many of Couch’s students have gone on to success in the music business.

    “For example, Bella Garland, who is our latest girl in Nashville, won the Bluebird Café songwriting competition,” Couch said. “It is huge and is recognized by the national songwriter’s competition.”

    Couch said he gets a great deal of satisfaction from working with the students.

    “The biggest thing is their enthusiasm,” he said. “They are willing to learn. They want this knowledge and to see them become successful.”

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    Rick Elmhorst

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  • Caregivers receive night of relaxation through sound healing

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Caregiving is a demanding job. In fact, according to an AARP report, more than 60% of caregivers say that responsibility increases their level of stress and worry.

    A North Carolina woman is volunteering her time and expertise to give a group of caregivers a night of peace and relaxation using sound.

    What You Need To Know

    • More than 60% of caregivers say caregiving increases their level of stress and worry, according to an AARP report

    • Sound alchemist Racquel Washington uses sound bowls and instruments to help provide sound healing

    • One caregiver said she could “feel the colors” during the sound bath and meditation

    • The Gladys Love Project helps coordinate nights of relaxation and provides regular events for caregivers


    Sound alchemist Racquel Washington uses various instruments like wind chimes, an ocean drum and crystal sound bowls to provide what she calls sound healing.

    “All of the bowls are tuned to different frequencies, which actually work in harmony with different parts of the body,” Washington said.

    Those receiving this kind of healing sit in chairs or lay on the ground for what may be the only hour of peace they have all day. They’re all caregivers, and Washington says this sound bath and meditation allows them to focus on their own needs for a moment.

    “With so many people relying on them, it’s just really important that we offer some space focused on their wellness as they are focusing on making sure that other people are well and have what they need,” Washington said.

    Dayna Wade takes care of her mother who has Alzheimer’s disease and says the sessions have worked for her.

    “I actually felt the colors when she was playing the instruments,” she said. “And I felt peaceful. I felt present in my body, and it was just a beautiful experience.”

    Kym Motley of the nonprofit, the Gladys Love Project, helped coordinate this night of relaxation. She says the community you can gain from events like this is also key.

    “I would say that community is so important, and that will counter the effects of senior isolation, which does lead to early death and caregiver burden, the enormous amount of stress that caregivers are under,” Motley said.

    Washington does this for a living but offers it up to groups like this from time to time because she believes everyone should have access to the benefits.

    “This allows us to create an environment where hopefully those caregivers have an overflow that they can now pour from instead of pouring from an empty cup,” Washington said.

    The Gladys Love Project offers regular events like this for caregivers.

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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    Britni McDonald

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  • Woman in dire need granted wheelchair accessible van thanks to nonprofit

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In just a matter of seconds, Rita Connolly’s life drastically changed recently. With joy and tears streaming down her face, Connolly rolled in her wheelchair into Ildereton Conversions in Charlotte where she was surprised with a new set of wheels.  

    What You Need To Know

    •  Lisa Sexton founded All Things Possible Medical Fundraising after experiencing health concerns and troubles

    •  Sexton found a dire need for wheelchair accessible vehicles and people who cannot afford them

    •  Sexton’s nonprofit has helped 49 people gain mobility again through their donations 

    • The organization relies on donations and volunteers to help those in need in the Carolinas


    “I know how much you need this wheelchair van and the challenges that you’ve been through,” Lisa Sexton said to Connolly while giving her a hug. “It’s been rough,” she added.    

    Spina bifida, paralyzed feet and increased muscle weakness in recent years have led the 56-year-old wife and mother to lose her ability to independently get around. Tasks many of us often take for granted, like a trip to the grocery store or doctors office, became difficult and nearly impossible.         

    “Everything just started getting worse and worse for me, depression and stuff like that because I couldn’t get out,” Connolly said. 

    And when she did get out, it was in a van driven by her husband that was not equipped for Rita or her wheelchair. Connolly’s children were forced to help lift her inside, where she dangerously sat on the floor with no seatbelt, crammed next to her 400-pound wheelchair.  

    “It’s hard enough to get up in the morning and get in the shower. It’s hard to do all that. And then to have to go to the car and then squeeze myself into the car and use all that energy. By the time I get somewhere, it’s like the day is ruined for me almost,” Rita said of her experience.     

    Thanks to Lisa Sexton and All Things Possible Medical Fundraising, community partners like Ilderton Conversion of Charlotte and other donors and volunteers, she received the keys to a wheelchair accessible van that will allow her to stay seated in her wheelchair and drive herself using her hands.  

    “The wheelchair will actually have a locking bracket on the bottom of the chair, a grade-A bolt pin that will actually come in here and lock into place. So that will actually hold the wheelchair in place,” Mike Alfaro, general manager of Ilderton Conversion of Charlotte, said.    

    “Oh, I get so excited. The public has really come together and donated, and we just pray that that continues because there’s no greater blessing than to change a life,” Sexton said of the donation.  

    The group has worked to make an impact for 49 people since 2013 with each accessible van driving toward mobility and a renewed sense of self-worth.   

    “People don’t think about disabled people and what they have to do to get places and what they can afford and what they can’t afford. And so this is one organization that’s focusing on this very thing. And it’s not just a vehicle, it’s helping somebody’s dreams come true. So that’s really what happened for me,” Connolly said while laughing.  

    It’s a mission that’s close to Sexton’s heart. Before starting the nonprofit, she faced her own set of medical hardships that led her to want to help her neighbors in need. And that’s when she found out just how many people needed wheelchair accessible vans, but couldn’t afford one.  

    So All Things Possible Medical Fundraising’s mission changed from helping meet all medical needs, to focusing primarily on helping people obtain wheelchair accessible vans. And that’s why the nonprofit is officially changing its name to All Thing Possible Mobility. Sexton hopes their mission as one of the only nonprofits in the country doing this type of work only continues to grow. And recipients like Connolly say they couldn’t be more grateful.  

    “This is life-changing safety equipment that will last for years and years and get her to her medical appointments and be able to do physical therapy and get there safely to just go visit family, you know, and go to church, be part of the community,” Sexton said.    

    “The nerves were really bad coming in but I’m just so excited now, like I don’t know what to do first. My brain doesn’t know what to do first,” Connolly added.    

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    Caroline Blair

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  • Sarah Branyan helps fellow veterans with her personal story of recovery

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A Bay Area veteran is using the personal trauma she suffered and her resulting downward spiral to help other vets at at the C.W. Bill Young Veteran’s Medical Center in Bay Pines.

    What You Need To Know

    • Sarah Branyan is a Peer Support Specialist in Mental Health/PTSD at James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital in St. Petersburg

    • Branyan said her life spiraled out of control after suffering military sexual trauma as a teenager in the Army, but she recovered from drug addictions 

    • Group meeting participants say they can relate to Branyan because of a personal story

    • Branyan said she stresses positive thinking to patients in the group meetings


    Sarah Branyan is a Peer Support Specialist in Mental Health/PTSD. Among other things, she leads group sessions of in-patient veterans with serious personal issues.

    “All right, what you got?” said Branyan to a small group as she talked to them about their plans in case of a personal emergency. “You are the only person who can accommodate yourself. So, if you don’t do it. It’s not going to get done,” she said.

    Branyan has a dramatic story of recovery to tell the veterans to encourage them. She went through basic training in the Army as a 17-year-old. While waiting for a security clearance because she was still a minor, Branyan said she suffered what’s called a Military Sexual Trauma at the hands of a commander.

    Branyan said she then separated from the military under a Chapter 11 discharge. Her life then went out of control. She said she began using drugs including meth, crack cocaine and heroin. “A coping mechanism. And I just didn’t want to feel like me,” she said. “Didn’t want to feel like I felt in my skin.” Branyan said rehabilitation facilities did fix her addiction problems.

    Branyan said she was arrested many times over the next decade. “I have gosh, a very extensive criminal record.” She eventually spent two years in prison in Maryland. Branyan said her years behind bars saved her life because it gave her enough time to beat her addictions.

    “For sure, I always tell the story that I have felonies on my record, and I work for the federal government. So, there is nothing that is insurmountable if you are willing to do the work.”

    Branyan often stresses positive thinking to the patients in the group sessions. “When you are thinking positively you are not in fight-or-flight mode. So, you are more resilient,” she said. “You are more able to find solutions. You are more creative. All the things that we give up and become self-fulfilling prophecies when we are focused in the negative.”

    Small group members like Crystal Elerbee feel like they can relate to Branyan because of what Branyan has been through. “Somebody who has been there, done that,” said Elerbee. “Somebody that can understand where you have coming from.”

    Seeing a fellow veteran make a turnaround is a great reward for Branyan. “Oh, I love it. That’s my favorite thing,” she said. “Because often we don’t get to see the end result. We just must hope we are making a difference. But in this role, I get to see it all the time.”

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    Rick Elmhorst

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  • Melissa Ley and FUELS help Pinellas County teachers and students

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A former Pinellas County teacher is still doing a lot to support students and teachers — in fact, Melissa Ley helped to start a nonprofit to do just that.

    Ley was a teacher with Pinellas County Schools for three years, but then decided to focus on homeschooling her two children.

    What You Need To Know

    • Melissa Ley is a former Pinellas County teacher

    • She helped to start Florida’s Unique Education Learning Support, or FUELS

    • FUELS provides classroom supplies for teachers, free professional development and student care closet supplies, among other things


    Ley’s experience in the classroom gave her an appreciation for the needs of teachers and the lack of resources they often face. She started an organization called Florida’s Unique Education Learning Support or FUELS, which provides classroom resources for teachers and items for school care closets for students in need.

    On a recent morning Ley and FUELS treasurer Maureen Price were taking large bags of personal care items to two schools.

    “So, tons of personal care items. Shampoo, deodorant. Personal hygiene things. Snacks. They go like crazy,” Ley said as she took bags out from the back of her SUV in front of St. Petersburg High School.

    “It is the fun part,” she added. “Shopping for, delivering and seeing how excited they are is the fun part.”

    A few moments later Ley and Price were meeting with school social worker Janna Vichaikul in her office to show her the items for her care closet.

    “Lotions, then all of your deodorant, T-shirts and stuff like that,” said Ley.

    Vicheikul said she was always grateful for the supplies.

    “We didn’t want to be too greedy, and they really surprised with how generous their donations were,” she said.

    FUELS has also donated some chairs and a mini fridge for the space where Vicheikul meets with students.

    FUELS also provides thousands of books that teachers can use in their classroom libraries, provides free professional development training for educators and an annual teacher appreciation event.

    Ley and Price also delivered care closet supplies to the Nina Harris Exceptional Student Education Center.

    “Basic needs have to be met in order for students to learn,” said Ley as she and staff members were placing the personal care items on shelves. “So, without these things, without schools and us providing it, the students aren’t able to do what is important and learn.”

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    Rick Elmhorst

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  • Cynthia Henderson starts Citrus County group for female veterans

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    CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. — A Citrus County woman started a group for other female veterans like herself. She also spearheaded an effort to get a monument for female vets built and placed in front of the historic county courthouse in Inverness.

    What You Need To Know

    • Cynthia Henderson is a U.S. Air Force veteran

    • Henderson started the Female Veterans Network of Citrus County

    • Group members meet monthly and perform community service projects 

    • Members raised funds to have a monument to female veterans built and placed in front of the historic county courthouse in Inverness 


    Cynthia Henderson served in the U.S. Air Force in the 1960s and is very proud of her service. She believed that there needed to be a local organization that was just for local female veterans. So, she started the Female Veterans Network of Citrus County.

    “Well, the camaraderie number one. We all get together for lunch once a month,” said Henderson.

    Group members talk about issues they face as veterans, while supporting each other through the struggles and helping the community.

    “We do various things for the community. We had a female veteran, and we replaced her roof,” said Henderson.

    They also offer a scholarship program for female high school senior JROTC members.

    The members of the group all take pride in their military service. “It’s a sisterhood. Even the sisterhood that we felt in the branch that we were in,” said Sigmond. “This is a bigger sisterhood because this is all the branches.”

    The network also spent several years planning the design and raising funds for the female veterans’ monument. They recently held a five-year rededication ceremony for the monument.

    Henderson said she makes sure to keep up with group members to make sure they are OK. “Well, it’s deep-rooted in the service we served in, even though we were in different branches. We were still serving in the same country,” said Henderson. “Every time I see the girls I find out something new about one or two of them.”

    “She has that compassion and always has that smile. And she loves us. We know she does,” said Sigmond.

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    Rick Elmhorst

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  • Elisha Belden promotes arts for children and young people in Citrus County

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    CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. — A Citrus County woman is making sure kids and teens in her community get a chance to experience the arts.

    Elisha Belden said she saw a need for young people and started a nonprofit that runs out of the same building as her tattoo business.

    What You Need To Know

    • Elisha Belden started the Twistid Arts Initiative in Citrus County

    • It all started with a sidewalk chalk art contest for children in 2022

    • The Twistid Arts Initiative provides art classes and stages theater productions in Inverness.

    • The latest production set to debut is called Story Island


    Belden’s business called Twistid Ink is located on Highland Boulevard in Inverness. That’s where there are three tattoo artists working including her husband, Danny Belden. The building also includes rooms for art classes and a former small church sanctuary that now acts as a theater.

    Belden started to promote arts for young people by having Twistid Ink sponsor a sidewalk chalk art competition in 2022.

    It was such a hit that community members asked her if she could do more for the arts. She then started art classes for children, art shows and putting on theater productions in a city-owned theater. But the theater was so busy with other community productions that she made the move into her current building in February 2025.

    “When we were running around town using other buildings for the arts center it was very stressful, very stressed,” said Belden. “Here if we have a break, we can walk into the back and do anything we need to.”

    Belden started a nonprofit called Twistid Arts Initiative to promote and fund the arts projects for young people. She says much of the funding comes from her Twistid Ink business.

    Twistid Arts Initiative has put on a number of productions for the community.

    “We do a lot of kids’ shows. But we do balance it out,” said Belden. “We do some teen and some adult stuff as well.”

    That includes a production of Macbeth, Beetlejuice, Snow Queen, The Wizard of Oz and an original production called The Cursed. The current original production in rehearsal is called Story Island.

    “We are just fine-tuning at this point,” she said. “They’ve got it all down. They’ve got their lines. They’ve got their blocking. Most of it. Ha. Ha. They are doing a great job.”

    Story Island will premiere the last weekend of January and the first weekend of February.

    “The arts are important,” said Belden of the theater productions with young actors. “I feel like it helps them learn critical thinking skills. They get to bond and experience emotional roller coasters through different characters and empathize.”

    Danny Belden, who is the artistic director of the Twistid Arts Initiative, echoed Elisha’s thinking.

    “We are putting everything we can into these kids and what they are doing because it’s changing their lives like it changed mine.”

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    Rick Elmhorst

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  • The Flower Shuttle is celebrating 20 years of surprise bouquets

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    RALEIGH, N.C. — For the last 20 years, The Flower Shuttle in Raleigh has provided joy to unsuspecting recipients. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Flowers are donated from florists or stores like Costco and Trader Joe’s

    • The shuttle has delivered more than 380,000 flower arrangements in 20 years

    • Recipients are in Durham, Raleigh and surrounding areas

    • The nonprofit celebrates 20 years in 2026


    Every Tuesday, volunteers meet at Ridge Road Baptist Church to make bouquets. 

    The flowers are donated from florists or stores like Costco and Trader Joe’s that otherwise would have been tossed out. 

    The bouquets are then delivered to people who are experiencing terminal illness, disability or poverty.

    In the last two decades, the shuttle has delivered more than 380,000 flower arrangements. 

    “Anything we can do to help bring nature in,” said Eileen Taylor, president of The Flower Shuttle. “And then again, research shows being around fresh flowers, fresh plants is very uplifting for people, so it should brighten their day.”

    The shuttle delivers  to more than 70 charities, rehabs and nonprofits in Durham, Raleigh and surrounding areas. 

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Ms. Wheelchair Florida and her mom inspire children with their books

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    TAMPA, Fla. — The reigning Ms. Wheelchair Florida and her mother are taking a message of joy and hope to kids through their books and public appearances.

    Schuyler Arakawa and mom, Meridith Alexander, have published a series of children’s books about overcoming obstacles.

    In 2016, Arakawa was on a fellowship from Yale to South America, working to expand opportunities for women, when she took a trip to Colombia. She went rafting with a group and then not long after that while exploring a grotto, a boulder fell on her. It caused injuries in many parts of her body, including a traumatic brain injury.

    She was taken to a hospital in Columbia for treatment and later flown to a hospital in Miami, where she underwent multiple brain surgeries. She also underwent rehab. It has been a long road to recovery.

    On a recent morning, Arakawa and Alexander appeared together at the Southshore Montessori School in Apollo Beach to read to a group of children.

    “So, we are going to read our newest book, which is all about fear and doubt and doing hard things even if you are not sure you can do them,” said Alexander.

    A few minutes later, about two dozen children came into the room, where the mom and daughter greeted them enthusiastically. “We are so glad to see you,” said Alexander.

    “Welcome in, guys,” said Arakawa.

    Then Alexander started reading from one of their books that includes Arakawa in a wheelchair. She is called “Princess Happiness.” The books feature children overcoming obstacles like a boulder.

    The life-changing event of being struck by the boulder in Columbia resulted in limits to Arakawa’s speech and mobility, but she turned those limits into a purpose for her life.

    “It is hard. But the way I see it, some people say I’m positive in my recovery,” said Arakawa. “But I really think there is no other way to be, because if you were upset you would just hurt yourself. I have learned that you can not control the outcome. So, I might as well make the best of it.”

    Alexander said she and Arakawa try to stay focused on looking for the positive and life. That is what they hope people get from their appearances.

    “Joy is all around us the same way the oxygen is around us. You don’t always see it,” Alexander said. “But you have access to it.”

    Would you like to nominate an Everyday Hero? Click here and fill out the submission form.

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    Rick Elmhorst

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  • Steve Githens gives dictionaries to third-grade students in Polk County

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    BARTOW, Fla. — The former mayor of Bartow loves passing on his passion for the power of words. Steve Githens has been delivering thousands of special dictionaries to third-grade students in Polk County for many years.

    What You Need To Know

    • Former Bartow mayor Steve Githens takes thousands of dictionaries to Polk County third graders

    • It’s a project of the Bartow Rotary Club

    • Githens believes a strong vocabulary is a key to success in life

    • Would you like to nominate an Everyday Hero? Click here


    On a recent morning, Githens was loading up a dolly with boxes of the books from the back of his car and taking them inside Eagle Lake Elementary School. “So, they say there are 120 students here at Eagle Lake Elementary,” said Githens as he loaded the books onto his dolly.

    “I’ve probably been in and out of the school ten times over the years I’ve been doing this dictionary program,” he said. Githens raises funding for the Bartow Rotary Club project that he took over about 14 years ago. He was able to raise about $20,000 for this year’s program. That allowed him to purchase 5,000 of the books that cost about $4 each.

    Once inside the school’s media center, Githens started pulling the dictionaries from the boxes. “Although we call them dictionaries, they actually have a fair amount of information inside of them,” he said. That includes the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, maps and short biographies of U.S. presidents, among other things.

    Once the students arrived at the media center, teachers helped Githens pass out the books, and he delivered a one-hour presentation about them to the students who sat on the floor.

    “But if you want to dedicate yourself to educating yourself, there is no telling where you will go, right?” said Githens to the children.

    He had the children follow along with their books as he pointed out the contents. “A dot. You mean a period? I think a period works,” he said as he went through a section about punctuation.

    Githens believes that learning words in a dictionary will give the kids power to excel in the world around them. “I do hope that when they open it up, they will learn every time they touch the book,” he said. “And the more words, the bigger the vocabulary, the more the power.”

    Student Noah Green loved his dictionary and the presentation. “I think it was amazing. Because I read books a lot and this one is way better than any book I have read,” he said.

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    Rick Elmhorst

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  • William Dunn takes kids fishing and gives them gear for Christmas

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    POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Polk County resident William Dunn is dedicated to helping kids get a chance to go fishing. It’s something he does all year, but especially this year for Christmas.

    What You Need To Know

    • William Dunn learned to love fishing from his father, Joe

    • Dunn started the Take a Kid Fishing organization

    • The group takes kids fishing, which includes an annual fishing event with Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd

    • Nominate an Everyday Hero


    Dunn spent countless hours traveling from home to home to hand out fishing gear to underserved kids. He was able to purchase the gear because of a generous donation to his Take a Kid Fishing nonprofit. Dunn hoped to reach more than 200 children.

    “There is so much tackle in here, the boys are going to love it,” said Dunn as he was going through the fishing gear in his pickup. In this case, he was preparing to deliver it to Elissa Staff’s boys.

    “That’s for you, Jacob. And here’s a spin rod and reel combo for you guys,” said Dunn.

    “This is awesome,” said Staff as she watched Dunn hand out the gear. “He is sharing his joy and sharing love.”

    Dunn said he got his love of fishing from his father, Joe. They started fishing together in Miami when Dunn was a boy, and they continued fishing together until his father passed away several years ago.

    Dunn regularly takes groups of kids on fishing outings, sometimes for freshwater fishing and sometimes offshore. “It just gives them patience,” said Dunn. “It gets them outdoors and off the computer and off the tablets and phones. I can get them out about five miles offshore where there is no phone service. And all they have is a fishing rod in their hand and the joy for the day catching fish.”

    Dunn conducts an annual fishing event for kids with Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.

    Dunn also delivered fishing gear to Hanna Collier’s boys. She was dealing with a serious autoimmune disorder, and the Christmas gifts were a blessing. “And when I got sick, we couldn’t do these things anymore,” she said. “Then somebody giving me this is a big blessing right now.”

    “This is pretty much my ministry on the weekends with these kids,” said Dunn, who has a full-time job as a tire salesman. “Taking them out and showing them life skills. That there are still people out here who still care and want to spend time with them,” he said.

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    Rick Elmhorst

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  • Wesley Chapel deli owners have a heart for helping people in need

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    WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. — The owners of an Italian deli in Wesley Chapel have a real heart for helping people in need.

    What You Need To Know

    • Charles and Nancy Frankulin are this week’s Everyday Heroes.

    • During the Christmas season, the couple organizes a gift drive for less fortunate children. Customers would bring in the gifts, and Charles and Nancy would wrap them and place them around a tree.  

    • The couple feels like they are acting on their faith by helping people.

    • Would you like to nominate an Everyday Hero? Click here.


    Charles and Nancy Frankulin set up a food pantry inside their business, and during the holiday season they were making sure kids got Christmas presents. 

    Inside Bosco’s Italian to Go, Charles loves everything about making pizzas. He’s able to spin the dough with his hands to get it just the right size.

    “I have been doing this so long that half the time I don’t even have to look at what I am doing,” he said.

    Then, before adding the toppings, he runs a roller over the dough. “This pokes little holes in the dough so, if any bubbles start to form, they can only go so far before they hit one of these little holes,” he said.

    In the front lobby of Bosco’s, Nancy was proud to show off their food pantry made up of some shelves by the front window.

    “So this is the Bosco’s food bank,” she said. “We have everything from cans of chili to vegetable soup.”

    Nancy said the couple set up the pantry during the pandemic when people had lost jobs and would sometimes come in to ask for a free slice of pizza. Customers have been very gracious to bring in food and even toiletries. A back part of the business is devoted to keeping pantry supplies organized. 

    “They bring everything in, and then me and my husband sort it out,” said Nancy. 

    During the Christmas season, the couple organizes a gift drive for less fortunate children. Customers would bring in the gifts, and Charles and Nancy would wrap them and place them around a tree.  

    “The high school football team actually donated this for my teenagers,” Nancy said about some small boxes containing gifts that teenagers would like. 

    The couple feels like they are acting on their faith by helping people. “And that’s what we do. We are called to serve,” Nancy said. “We are called to give. And we are answering the call.”

    Charles loves the Christmas season.

    “It’s joy. The entire time of the year. It’s presents and family, food, fun. I wish it was year round,” he said.

    This year the couple was able to provide presents for 80 children.

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    Rick Elmhorst

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  • Restored American Girl Dolls brighten holidays for military connected children

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    OHIO — Often, some of life’s beautiful moments are inspired by tragic events that change our lives forever. Many people find ways to move forward by giving back to a cause of organization that hits close to home.

    What You Need To Know

    • Vicki and Allan Carleton started Trey’s Dolls in honor of their son

    • For a decade they’ve been restoring and repairing American Girl Dolls and donating them to children in hospitals or even impacted by the Texas and North Carolina floods

    • Blue Star Families of Dayton and SWOH teamed up with Trey’s Dolls to give nearly 40 dolls to military connected children

    • The dolls were a surprise and parents wrote letters explaining why a doll would make a difference…every girl received a doll

    With a steady hand, delicate skill and a little TLC Vicki and Allan Carleton have spent a lot of time over the past decade bringing dolls back to life.

    Many of the dolls are the classic American Girl Dolls.

    They started Trey’s Dolls in honor of their son.

    “He was diagnosed with Berkins lymphoma on Dec. 3, when they did exploratory surgery to see what this lump was in his side. And two days later, he passed away still in the hospital,” said Vicki Carleton.

    Through charities, organizations, and social media, word of Trey’s Dolls spread.

    Some people send them brand new dolls, and others that have been loved over the years.

    Their restored dolls have gone to hospitals and even into the arms of little girls after disasters like the Texas and North Carolina floods. 

    “If we get used dolls, and they’re going to the hospital, then we have to take all the stuffing out and wash it and sanitize,” said Vicki.

    “It makes me feel wonderful that we’re able to do it and that we’ve learned over time,” Allan said. “I just feel like a small part of the process.”

    Allan is a Navy veteran.

    When they aren’t working on dolls at home, sometimes they’ll bring them to the Fisher House on the Dayton VA Medical Center campus.

    Allan receives radiation treatments for his own cancer diagnosis, and staying at the Fisher House saves them the stress of driving back and forth.

    “I just can’t tell you how much it means,” Allan said.

    It was through a connection at the Fisher House that the Carletons made contact with Blue Star Families of Dayton and Southwestern Ohio and executive director Geri Maples.

    Shortly after, an idea to gift the dolls to military connected young girls came to reality.

    The girls received gifts but had no idea that a restored American Girl Doll waited inside.

    The Carletons have gifted hundreds of dolls, but it’s not often they get to see them opened in real time. 

    “Initially I said 20 would be selected, but I read all their stories and I’m like ‘nope they all have to have one’. I was in tears reading some of these stories about what it would mean to them,” said Maples.

    “She’s our only girl, we have three boys. So this was kind of special for her that it was the only event with her by herself and no brothers,” said mother and veteran spouse Mia Bennett.

    “This is an amazing experience that I couldn’t give my daughter, that they were able to do that for her, so I really appreciate it, thank you,” said mother and Marine Corps veteran Ashlee Almazan.

    “Moving sometimes seven or eight times throughout a school year, having to make new friends, an American Girl Doll can go with you anywhere,” Maples said.

    For the Carletons, they were able to take their son’s memory another step.

    “I think he would absolutely love it. He loved children. He had two children, and he loved his two children so much. And I think he would have loved that they are military families,” said Vicki.

    Vicki and Allan donated nearly 40 dolls to Blue Star Families of Dayton and Southwestern Ohio.

    The non-profit hosts free events and outreach opportunities all year long for military members, veterans and their families. 

    For more information, click here.

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    Alese Underwood

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  • Tracey Stephens helps kids learn to read with her big dog Teddy

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    POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A Polk County woman is helping some little students learn how to read.

    Tracey Stephens is doing it with the help of a great big dog.

    Each Monday, Stephens takes her big black Newfoundland named Teddy to Sikes Elementary School where she goes to the library to volunteer as a reading coach. Stephens has set up a huge dog bed in the corner of the library for Teddy.

    What You Need To Know

    • Tracey Stephens takes her Newfoundland dog Teddy to Sikes Elementary School each Monday

    • Stephens says Teddy provides a calm, fun environment while she works with students on their reading skills

    • The students usually pet Teddy while they read

    • Principal Lindsey Leskis says Stephens has a caring approach with the students


    Each Monday, Stephens takes her big black Newfoundland named Teddy to Sikes Elementary School, where she goes to the library to volunteer as a reading coach. Stephens has set up a huge dog bed in the corner of the library for Teddy.

    “Not to do a product placement,” said Stephens. “But you need a big barker.” As soon as Stephens spread out a blanket on the bed, Teddy got right on it to lie down. “He was like oh, this is where the bed is. So exciting,” Stephens said.

    Stephens works with the students one at a time. The reason for having Teddy there is to make it a fun, relaxing environment. Teddy always stays very calm, and the students sit on the dog bed with Teddy and Stephens while they work on their reading skills.

    Sometimes the students pet Teddy while they read. “I think he just brings down the temperature a little bit because he’s not overly excited. Ha, ha, ha,” said Stephens.

    Helping the children with their reading skills is a rewarding experience for Stephens. “I think it’s great fun. I love to hear them use their voice and get stronger and more confident in their reading,” she said.

    Principal Lindsey Leskis appreciates Stephens’ gentle approach with the students. “She spends the time to talk to them and learn their interests and really get them excited about reading and they just love Teddy,” she said.

    Stephens sometimes provides the students with small gifts for their hard work. On a recent Monday, she had a gift-wrapped book for student Kaydence James that said it was from Teddy.

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    Rick Elmhorst

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  • Lu Sells starts No Limits Social Club for special needs adults

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    LAKELAND, Fla. — A Lakeland woman saw a need and decided to do something about it. Lu Sells saw the need for special needs adults to have social and volunteer activities and started an organization to provide those things.

    What You Need To Know

    • Lu Sells started the No Limits Social Club for special needs adults

    • Sells saw the need for social activities after her son finished his schooling

    • The No Limits Social Club meets regularly for lunches and crafts

    • Club members also participate in volunteer opportunities


    On a recent morning, Sells was giving out lots of hugs and greeting the arriving members of the No Limits Social Club at the First United Methodist Church. About 150 of the clubs’ members were getting together for a Thanksgiving-style meal, some crafting and a celebration of their friendship.

    “Why are we thankful for friendship? What does friendship bring in our life?” said Sells to the group from a podium. Sells first saw the need for the club because her special needs son Tyler lacked social opportunities after he completed his schooling. She spoke with some of her friends with adult special needs children and they felt the same way about the situation faced by their children.

    “It started because one of the boys said to me, Miss Lu, I might talk funny and my legs might not work. But I need a purpose. That night I went home, and I called two of my friends and we came up with No Limits,” said Sells.

    The group started with a handful of members a few years ago but has grown to about 150 who show up for regular events. There are several hundred members of the organization’s Facebook group.

    Providing the members with volunteer opportunities is also a priority. “It’s growing because they want to give back to the community,” said Sells. “They want a chance just like everybody else.”

    Sells says running the organization fills her with joy. “I mean this is an awesome feeling. This is why I do it. I get a million hugs, a million smiles. It’s just the best feeling ever,” she said while looking at the church facility filled with group members.

    The No Limits Social Club members all think the world of Lu Sells.

    “She just has so much love, and it is contagious. She spreads it around with everybody around us,” said member Tori Hogg.

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    Rick Elmhorst

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  • Marc Rimes appears as the ‘Hulk’ to support children

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    POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A Polk County man is devoting a lot of his time to appearing as “The Incredible Hulk” at local events. Most of the appearances are for charities. Underneath that huge Hulk outfit is a man with a big heart for kids. Marc Rimes has a couple of reasons for that big heart.

    What You Need To Know

    • Marc Rimes appears as the “Hulk” at Bay area charity events. He also works to promote autism awareness

    • Rimes’s son Chance, who is on the autism spectrum, appears with Rimes as Groot from “Guardians of the Galaxy” movies

    • Rimes often appears at events with Superheroes for Hire characters

    • Rimes grew up in foster care and boys’ homes and has a special heart for children who need to feel loved


    On a recent Saturday evening, Rimes appeared as the “Hulk” at the Auburndale Speedway. Lots of small children wanted to give his massive Hulk character a hug. Rimes said he loves seeing the smiles and children’s faces when they see him.

    “I don’t do it to get recognized. I don’t do this for recognition,” said Rimes. “I do this to put a smile on someone’s face.”

    Rimes’ girlfriend Candice Holiday is a big believer in Rimes’ efforts. “It’s mostly the lower-class kids who need that extra boost in life,” she said. “That’s what we do. We come out and put smiles on faces.”

    Rimes said he grew up in boys’ homes and foster care, so he is sensitive to a child needing to feel love. “I grew up in a life where I fought to be loved. And I want to be there for a kid who needs a smile or a hug. I want to be there to give hope,” he said.

    Rimes has a son named Chance who is on the autism spectrum. Chance appears with Rimes at events dressed as the character Groot from the “Guardians of the Galaxy” movies. Rimes is dedicated to autism awareness. “Everybody needs the awareness. Everybody needs to know we can include our children. Not one child is the same on the spectrum. But they don’t have to be treated differently,” he said.

    Rimes has a sports car decked out with superhero logos and autism awareness messages that he takes to his events. “When you see it come down the road you can’t miss it. It also has my son dressed up as one of the superheroes on the side of the car.” Rimes said his car is part of the Cars Racing for the Dream organization.

    Rimes often appears with other local residents who dress up superheroes. They are called Superheroes for Hire. The group held parades for a terminally ill boy named Braxton Criss. Braxton passed away. At the Auburndale Speedway event, Chance dressed as Groot presented Braxton’s mom Jessica Criss with one of his previous Groot outfits.

    Criss is thankful for what all the superheroes did for her son before he died. “Honored that they gave us memories that we wouldn’t have had otherwise, and they made Braxton’s last moments incredibly special,” she said.

    Rimes was also hailed as a hero recently for running to a neighbor’s home that was on fire and using a garden hose to fight the flames before firefighters got there.

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    Rick Elmhorst

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  • N.C. woman’s nonprofit secures housing for homeless

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The number of people experiencing homelessness in North Carolina has been growing.

    According to the latest stats from the annual homelessness assessment report, the state has seen a 19% increase from 2023 to 2024.

    What You Need To Know

    • Spectrum News 1 is recognizing Hearts For The Invisible Charlotte Coalition Founder Jessica Lefkowitz for the Everyday Heroes segment

    • The goal of her nonprofit is helping people who are unhoused get into the shelter system, a transitional program or permanent housing

    • In 2025, Hearts For The Invisible helped 550 people and secured permanent housing for 117 people


    For the past five years, Hearts For The Invisible Charlotte Coalition Founder and Executive Director Jessica Lefkowitz and her street outreach team have been trying to put a dent in those numbers by offering housing to people who need it most. Her passion to help also comes from a familiar place.

    “My mom dealt with domestic violence, and I remember us having to leave our home in the middle of the night. We did a lot of couch surfing during my childhood. So, I do know what homelessness feels like for a child, and it is very, very traumatic,” Lefkowitz said.

    Her nonprofit helps people who are unhoused by meeting people where they are, whether it be in the woods, near train tracks, in parking lots or on sidewalks. 

    The goal is to help people who are unhoused get into the shelter system, a transitional program or permanent housing.

    In 2025, Hearts For The Invisible helped 550 people and secured permanent housing for 117 people.

    They helped Della Marie Marshall, who slept on benches in Uptown Charlotte.

    The traumatizing memories still bring on tears.

    “I ended up being assaulted. My phone was stolen. So for four months, I had no communication, I had no phone. I was just trying to navigate. Every day, I just thanked the Lord for waking me up,” Marshall said.

    The 69-year-old is also thankful for Lefkowitz and her team.  

    The transplant from Ohio and retired college administrator says she fell on tough times and appreciates the help from Hearts For The Invisible in getting her into an apartment for senior citizens.

    “I could have been lost. I could have just been out there,” Marshall said.

    Lefkowitz says if you see a person who’s unhoused, a simple hello can go a long way.

    “It’s really about treating somebody like a human being, and understanding that housing is a human right and nobody should be outside. Nobody should be outside,” Lefkowitz said.

    Charlotte newspaper “Queen City Nerve” recently named Lefkowitz “Best Local Hero 2025” for their Best In The Nest Awards.

    She also co-leads the annual point in time count, which some know as “the homeless census,” with the Mecklenburg County Community Support Services Team.

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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    Mike Dunston

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  • Paul Mazzapica brings joy to assisted living center residents through karaoke

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    TAMPA, Fla. — A Pinellas County man has made it his mission to lead a group of church volunteers to be a blessing to their community. Paul Mazzapica’s joyful spirit really shines as he leads his team.

    Mazzapica said he was meeting with some fellow members of Countryside Christian Church seven years ago when they came up with the idea for a volunteer team called Operation Influence. That grew to include giving blessing baskets to local businesses, bags filled with necessities to homeless people, handing out hundreds of wood crosses and recently something called Shine Your Light.

    What You Need To Know

    • Paul Mazzapica leads the Shine Your Light team from Countryside Christian Chuch.  

    •  The team sings karaoke songs with residents of the Collier’s Assisted Living facility. 

    •  Mazzapica and other church members started Operation Influence seven years ago. 

    • Operation Influence does a number of good works in the community. 


    Shine Your Light team members go to assisted living centers to sing karaoke with residents. On a recent evening at Collier’s Assisted Living, Mazzapica was setting up his karaoke gear inside a large meeting area. There was a computer for streaming music and some large speakers.

    “We wanted to put our faith into action. So, we said what better way to do that than to share love. And there’s no better place to do that than this place, Colliers,” said Mazzapica. A few minutes later Mazzapica was playing some music and gathered residents were clapping to a song.

    Team member Ken Vasquez was getting the elderly residents into the spirit of the evening. “We are here to love on you and let you know you are not alone. God has us. God has you,” he said.

    The idea behind the karaoke night is the bring joy from the outside world to the residents who might feel forgotten. Team member Bob Elliot kept the energy going with leading much of the singing.  It’s a fun filled experience for everyone.

    Team member Ken Vasquez was getting the elderly residents into the spirit of the evening. (Spectrum News/Rick Elmhorst)

    “I’ve seen them dancing. I’ve seen them singing along,” said Mazzapica. “One thing I see is a lot of smiles.”

    Resident Eileen Mcaulay said the karaoke sessions bring residents out of their rooms at night, and everybody has a good time.

    “The whole idea of operation influence is to get out and be the hands and feet. That’s what we want to be,” said Mazzapica. “Not just sitting there in church wanting to do it. We do it.”

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    Rick Elmhorst

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  • Angela Davis leads Polk County Toys for Tots with focus and a big heart

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    POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Polk County’s Toys for Tots director is spending up to 70 hours a week this time of the year to make sure many kids in need have a great Christmas.

    Angela Davis took over the volunteer position several years ago after former director David Waller passed away.

    What You Need To Know

    •  Angela Davis runs Polk County’s Toys for Tots organization.

    •  The program will provide gifts to 15,000 less fortunate children in Polk. 

    •  Davis took over Polk Toys for Tots when former director Dave Waller passed away. 


    Davis had been a volunteer for the organization when Waller called her as she was preparing to play a round of golf.

    He told her to put away her clubs and to come see him in the hospital. When she got to the hospital, he told her about the brain tumor that would soon claim his life. He asked her to take over the Polk Toys for Tots program.

    “How can you say no?” she said. “Look at what this program does. The impact it makes. How could you say no?”

    Davis took the bull by the horns and got aggressive with fundraising and organizing. The program operates out of a huge warehouse in Auburndale. Toys for Tots will provide presents to more than 15,000 children from low-income families this year.

    “All right, guys. That one’s full already. Goodness. You are good,” said Davis to some volunteers on a recent morning as they were filling up boxes with stuffed animals. “They are preparing stuffed animals that we will give out to all children between two and seven,” she said.

    Each child gets a set of gifts based on the application that is filled out by their parent or guardian.  

    David grabbed one of the “shopping lists” and headed out to the tables filled with gifts based on categories. Her list was for a boy.

    “He’s nine years old. This is appropriate for a child eight plus,” she said as she held up a board game. “And based on what the child told me, this might be a good match for this young guy.”

    Literacy is a year-round effort by Toys for Tots, so children will also get a book with their gifts.

    Dozens of volunteer shoppers gather up gifts based on the lists and place them into black garbage bags with a label. That way, if a child is with their parent or guardian when they pick up the gifts, the child hopefully won’t be aware that the bag is full of gifts for them.

    Davis said she is hyper-focused on every detail of Toys for Tots. Her family tells her she becomes a little OCD.

    “You must be into the details. We are trying to serve these families,” said Davis. “We don’t want to make a mistake. We want to give these kids something special on one of the best days of the year. So of course, I have to be OCD.”

    However, she can have a softer side when approaching her work, getting emotional as she talked about the kids.

    “You know, they say there is something about the impact of doing something for a stranger and the impact it makes on you,” she said. “And I have all these wonderful people who have come in to help me make a change in a child’s life.”

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    Rick Elmhorst

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  • Carole Adamczyk leads the MacDill Puppy Raisers group

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    TAMPA, Fla. — A Hillsborough County woman is involved in a several great causes including raising and training service dogs. Carole Adamczyk is the group leader for MacDill Puppy Raisers. 

    On a recent evening Adamczyk and about a dozen other volunteers from the group were at a Lowe’s parking lot in Brandon training the future service dogs. Part of the training was to get the dogs to stay still at their handler’s side.

    What You Need To Know

    •  Carole Adamczyk leads the MacDill Puppy Raisers group

    •  Group members raise labrador service dogs for Dogs Inc

    •  Adamczyk leads group training sessions twice per month

    • Adamczyk has raised about a dozen of the service dogs in her home 
    • HELP PROVIDE LIFE-SAVING DOGS TO PEOPLE WITH TYPE 1 DIABETES: dogs inc.


    “If your dog gets up during it, just put him back in his sit again. It’s okay,” said Adamczyk.

    The dogs are all Labradors, and the organization Dogs Inc. will place them with the person who needs a service dog. That could range from a blind or sight impaired person or a veteran with PTSD.

    Adamczyk facilities the real world training twice a month. That includes taking the dogs inside the Lowe’s store to get them used to unfamiliar places with lots of people.

    Dogs can get excited about a new person coming up to them, but they are taught to stay very calm.

    “They have been practicing this for a while, so they know not to lunge when somebody approaches them,” said Adamczyk.

    Adamczyk has raised about a dozen dogs in her home including her current dog, Chloe. She demonstrated how she trained Chloe at her kitchen counter using treats and a paw pad.

    “I’m training her to stay on my left-hand side because that’s where we want them as they continue to grow,” she said.

    Adamczyk also takes Chloe for long training walks in her neighborhood using a special collar. The training is a rewarding experience when she sees her dogs make progress. “And the first time they get it, you are overjoyed. It’s wonderful.”

    The best part of the experience is when the dog is ready to be placed in a home.

    “That day that you meet that person is wonderful. When they tell you they saved their life, it’s amazing,” she said.

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    Rick Elmhorst

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