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.
DENVER – Every Monday morning, one Meals on Wheels volunteer and his sons do much needed work in their community. For some homebound seniors, it’s not just a hot meal, it’s a familiar face, a conversation, and a reminder that someone cares. Mel Faes is a 100-year-old World War II veteran who has volunteered with Meals on Wheels for more than four decades.
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Mel Faes – Meals on Wheels Volunteer
“To have these services and to have people who care about you lets you live your life out in dignity,” said Cathy Law, a project manager with Volunteers of America Colorado’s retired and senior volunteer program.
Faes was born in 1925 and raised in north Denver. He joined the Army Air Force at 19 and served during World War II before returning home to work for the U.S. Postal Service for 34 years. But for the last 40 years, Mondays have been reserved for delivering meals to neighbors who need them.
“You can donate money here and there, but donating your time is more valuable,” Faes said.
On his route, Faes is now joined by his sons, John and Jim, who began helping with deliveries about five years ago when their father stopped driving.
“My dad, he’s a wonderful man,” John Faes said. “We can see how unselfish he’s always been his whole life, always wanting to do for the other.”
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Mel Faes, John Faes, and Jim Faes driving across Denver delivering Meals on Wheels to homebound seniors.
While his sons handle the driving, Mel still insists on taking meals to the door whenever he can.
“Doing the meals, sometimes you’re the only person they see all day,” Mel Faes said.
That personal connection is what makes the program so important, according to Volunteers of America.
“It’s nourishment for the body, but it’s also nourishment for their soul,” Law said. “Without volunteers, we couldn’t run our program.”
Volunteers of America Colorado produces and serves nearly 3,000 meals a day across seven counties, relying on hundreds of volunteers to deliver meals to seniors who might otherwise go without.
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For the Faes family, volunteering has become a shared experience.
“It means a lot to them, and it means a lot to us,” John Faes said. “It’s a humbling experience. It’s good for both parties.”
At 100 years old, Mel Faes shows no signs of slowing down.
“If people ask him what his secret to a long life is, he says, ‘Keep moving,’” his son John said.
That lifetime of service is celebrated with Denver7 and Levine Law recognizing Mel as a Denver7 Everyday Hero.
“We nominated Mel because of his giving, humble, amazing spirit,” Law said. “Not just for his military service, but for the way he continues to give back to the community over and over again.”
For Faes, the recognition is appreciated but it’s never been the reason he shows up.
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“It’s not really work,” he said. “It’s something you love to do.”
Volunteers of America Colorado says there is always a need for more Meals on Wheels volunteers. Those interested in delivering meals or supporting other programs can learn more and sign up on their website, where information about volunteer opportunities across the state are available.
Denver7 features a different Everyday Hero each week. To nominate a hero in your life, click here.
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.”
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.
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.”
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.
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 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.
BROOMFIELD, Colo. — For Todd and Laura Clyncke, the Christmas season begins with a computer, a list, and what they describe as a calling to help families who may be struggling during the holiday.
“This world is still a good place and people still care,” Laura Clyncke said as she reflected on the importance of giving. “I think people are called to do things in their life, and we feel the calling to help others.”
The Adopt-A-Family program is one part of Catholic Charities’ broader work across northern Colorado. Stacy Baum, the organization’s vice president of marketing and community engagement, said Catholic Charities operates dozens of programs, including shelters, affordable housing, women and family services, early childhood education and senior services.
During the holidays, Baum said Adopt-A-Family helps ensure people served by Catholic Charities “aren’t forgotten on Christmas morning.”
“There’s no way we could do the work we do without folks like the Clynckes’,” Baum said. “They are such exceptional examples of what it means to just give from your heart. They’re the kind of people who just do things from the bottom of their hearts, they’re amazing humans.”
Todd Clyncke said the couple’s approach to giving has grown over time, shaped by the way he was raised.
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Todd Clyncke
“Giving becomes who you are versus what you do,” he said. “But you do it because of who you are.”
When the lists of families are released, the Clynckes’ say they often chose the families that may be considered harder to adopt, including large families with children and teens, or households with adults who also need support.
Laura Clyncke said she gets emotional sometimes when reading the items on families’ Christmas lists.
“It’s things school supplies or socks,” Laura said with tears in her eyes. “And I know they need those things, but it’s really heart wrenching when you see those are things on a Christmas list.”
In recent years, she said they’ve paid special attention to “kinship” families, which are households where grandparents or other relatives are raising children.
“The grandparents are always so modest with what they put on there, and they’re really the ones making the sacrifices,” said Laura.
Catholic Charities of Denver,
Todd and Laura Clyncke
Baum said families like the Clynckes’ make a major impact because they don’t just adopt one family, they often take on several at a time and look for ways to do more each year.
“They always look at what they can do, and they always look to do more,” Baum said. “And that is such a huge inspiration to all of us.”
Last year alone, the Clynckes’ purchased gifts for nearly 60 family members through Adopt-A-Family.
Todd Clyncke said he sometimes thinks about the moment those gifts are opened by families.
“I think a lot about when they’re opening them, that hopefully they will feel the love that’s coming with that,” Todd said.
Catholic Charities of Denver,
Todd and Laura Clyncke dropping off Christmas gifts to Adopt-A-Family centers.
“The feeling we get when we drop the gifts off at the Adopt-A-Family Center and stand there and cry, even after 26 years, because it’s such a blessing to be able to do that outweighs anything that could happen on Christmas morning in terms of receiving gifts,” said Laura.
Catholic Charities nominated Todd and Laura Clyncke for their decades of service, and Denver7 and Levine Law recognized them as this week’s Denver7 Everyday Heroes.
“Thank you very much for this,” the couple said. “But again, we don’t feel like we deserve it. We don’t feel like heroes. We are just doing what we need to do.”
As they return for another year of giving, the Clynckes’ hope families seeking help this Christmas feel loved and cared for.
“You can’t take it with you, so you might as well do something good with it while you can,” Laura said with a smile.
Denver7 features a different Everyday Hero each week. To nominate a hero in your life, click here.
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.
BROOMFIELD, Colo. — Outside a busy King Soopers in Broomfield, volunteers are ringing bells and greeting shoppers as part of a decades-long effort to raise money for neighbors in need during the holiday season.
Richard Butler
Bill Duclos – Salvation Army, Broomfield Advisory Council President
The Salvation Army relies on donations from its annual red kettle campaign to support local families struggling with rising costs, including rent, utilities, groceries and holiday gifts for children and seniors.
“All the money that’s raised here goes into the local Salvation Army to support their local community,” said Capt. Miguel Morales with the Salvation Army’s Broomfield Corps.
Morales said demand for assistance has increased as expenses continue to rise, making community support more important than ever during the holidays.
Helping make that support possible are volunteers from the Foothills Kiwanis Club of Boulder Valley, which has partnered with the Salvation Army for decades. Members of the club say they have been bell-ringing since at least 1984, raising nearly three-quarters of a million dollars for local programs.
Bob Mohling, a Kiwanis member and Salvation Army advisory board volunteer, said he first started ringing bells decades ago.
Richard Butler
“I started ringing the bell in 1975, so this is my 50th year of ringing the bell,” Mohling said.
The Foothills Kiwanis Club focuses on service projects that support children and families, including scholarships, youth programs and community partnerships. One of its largest commitments each year is the Salvation Army’s holiday kettle campaign.
Volunteers fill shifts from the week before Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve, ringing bells six days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
One of the people helping organize those efforts is Bill Duclos, a Kiwanis member and president of the Salvation Army Broomfield Advisory Council. In addition to ringing bells himself, Duclos coordinates the volunteer schedule at the King Soopers location.
“We know where the money is going and where the funds are going from this kettle. It’s going to help the local community, it’s going to help kids, it’s going to help folks that need it,” said Duclos.
Duclos said he got involved after retiring about six years ago and looking for ways to give back to the community. Last year, Duclos said the single kettle at the King Soopers location raised about $25,000. He says even small donations add up to make a meaningful difference.
Richard Butler
Bill Duclos – Salvation Army, Broomfield Advisory Council President
Morales said Duclos’ impact goes beyond the holidays. Saying Duclos volunteers year-round, helping with events, community programs and facility projects at the Salvation Army’s Broomfield community center.
“Bill is very warm. He’s a great coach, he’s compassionate,” said Morales.
Mohling said Duclos’ leadership and commitment help keep volunteers engaged and programs running.
“It is a team effort, but Bill has really been active,” Mohling said. “He’s got a servant heart, plus he’s a good leader.”
Because of that dedication, Bill Duclos is Denver7 and Levine Law’s newest Denver7 Everyday Hero.
“It’s quite an honor, and there’s a lot of people in need,” Duclos said. “And that’s what it’s all about, helping people.”
Duclos said he hopes the red kettle campaign continues to remind people that help is available and that generosity, even in small amounts, can have a big impact.
The Salvation Army is still looking for volunteers to help ring bells through Christmas Eve. Shifts are typically two hours long, and volunteers can sign up online through The Salvation Army’s Colorado website. Those interested can also contact their local Salvation Army Corps in Broomfield for more information on available bell-ringing locations and times.
Denver7 features a different Everyday Hero each week. To nominate a hero in your life, click here.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.”
FORT MORGAN, Colo. – On Sunday afternoons at Fort Morgan Middle School, the sound of whistles and bouncing basketballs fills the gym as girls from across northeast Colorado gather to compete, learn and stay active, weeks before their school basketball seasons even begin.
For many of them, this league is the only opportunity they have to keep improving their skills between seasons.
Richard Butler
“We get together and we have competitive basketball. We teach the fundamentals. We teach good sportsmanship,” said Russell Jones, a Brush Middle School girls’ basketball coach.
The league is part of Northeast Colorado (NECO) League Sports, a youth athletics program created 12 years ago to give rural communities a place to play. In small towns like Brush, Akron and Yuma, school gyms can be limited, and youth programs often struggle with numbers. NECO helps bring those teams together under one roof.
“For a lot of these small towns, we try to play town leagues, but it’s hard to do with the numbers,” said Merle Grauer, an assistant girls basketball coach in Akron. “When we have opportunities like this, we can bring all these small communities together.”
Behind all the scheduling, officiating, communication and gym coordination is volunteer Damon Mussman.
Mussman is the founder of NECO League Sports and the organizer behind every season. When he’s not refereeing games on Sundays, he’s lining up gym space, making brackets, coordinating coaches and ensuring every game has referees and scorekeepers.
And he does all of it after his full-time job as the general manager at Wickham Tractor Company in Fort Morgan.
Richard Butler
“This is not my full-time job,” Mussman said. “I do this as a side gig. It honestly started all those years ago with my kids growing up and wanting to give them a better option when it came to basketball and volleyball.”
Today, that “side gig” has grown into a regional program serving nearly 2,000 student athletes through fall volleyball, fall girls’ basketball, and winter basketball leagues for boys and girls.
“If this didn’t exist, a lot of these girls would be doing absolutely nothing until after Christmas,” Mussman said. “This gives them something to participate in and still be a part of something.”
Lainey Jones, a 12-year-old from Brush Middle School, said the league helps her stay sharp between school seasons.
“NECO is like an offseason. You can still practice your skills,” she said.
Coaches say Mussman’s impact extends far beyond scheduling games.
“They’re learning teamwork, they’re learning to work hard… They’re learning life lessons whether they know it or not,” Jones said. “It’s such a blessing to have something like this in your backyard. A lot of kids don’t. Some families have to get up at three or four in the morning to travel to compete.”
“It’s been an amazing impact for Northeast Colorado,” Grauer said. “The amount of work that goes into making it successful, it’s extreme.”
Richard Butler
Mussman said he never expected the league to become as large as it has, but seeing families fill the gym each week reminds him why he continues.
“I did this for the kids. Still do it for the kids,” Mussman said. “I love every second of what I do.”
As the league continues to grow, Mussman says he hopes NECO’s impact keeps spreading to new communities across the Eastern Plains.
“I love doing it, and as long as I can do it, I’m going to keep going,” he said.
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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.”
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.
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.
DURHAM, N.C. — Harper Harrell knows first-hand the importance of having a place to stay near the hospital while enduring extended treatment. She was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia when she was 8 years old and had to undergo two years of treatment.
What You Need To Know
Harper Harrell started her own nonprofit called “Harper’s Home” to help house families with children enduring extended treatment for life-threatening illnesses for free near Duke Children’s Hospital and Health Center
Harrell was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia when she was 8 years old and had to undergo two years of treatment
The goal is to build eight homes on their property that’s just a couple of miles away from the hospital, but they are currently renting two homes while they wait for the city to approve their permits to start building
Studies show more than half the kids in extended treatment at Duke Children’s Hospital come from over 50 miles away
Kids sometimes need to get to the ER within 30 minutes if they spike a fever and if not, their condition could become deadly
“When I was in treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia at Duke Children’s Hospital, we met so many families who didn’t have a place to stay,” Harrell said.
Fortunately for Harrell and her family they didn’t live far from Duke Children’s Hospital and Health Center and never worried about housing during her stay in the hospital. But she knows that’s not the case for everyone.
“They were living out of suitcases and hotels, and there was really no place for them to go,” Harrell said.
That’s why she started her own nonprofit called “Harper’s Home.” The goal of Harper’s Home is to build eight homes in close proximity to the hospital for families with children fighting life-threatening illnesses to stay free of charge.
“Being able to stay here and having a roof over their head and not having to worry about it while a child is in treatment,” Harrell said.
Currently, they are renting two homes three miles away from the hospital as they wait for the city to approve their permits to start building homes on their property. Harper’s mother, Heather Hindin, said renting these homes were only possible because of the giving community.
“The way I see it is that we, Durham, the city, have kind of a responsibility as the place where Duke Children’s lives to open our arms and embrace the people who are coming here scared, uncertain,” Hindin said.
Studies show more than half the kids in extended treatment at Duke Children’s Hospital come from over 50 miles away. Those same kids sometimes need to get to the emergency room within 30 minutes if they spike a fever and if not, their condition could become deadly.
“When we talk about being two miles or three miles from Duke Children’s, it’s not just convenient. It is in fact, a critical part of treatment,” Hindin said.
It’s Harrell’s goal to make the lives of families a little bit easier, one home at a time.
“Everybody deserves an equal opportunity to be able to get to their local world-class hospital or travel to a world-class hospital,” Harrell said.
If you’d like to help Harrell grow her vision and help a family in need, you can donate at the Harper’s Home website.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A North Carolina woman is using her time and money to help tackle homelessness in her community.
Tracy Grant bought and collected more than 200 pairs of underwear for the homeless women in Mecklenburg County. She laid them out at the Salvation Army Center of Hope in Charlotte as part of their “Dignity Drive” while explaining why she chose these items.
What You Need To Know
Tracy Grant donates hundreds of pairs of underwear, socks and hygiene products to homeless shelters
The Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte says these items are often forgotten and can provide a sense of dignity to those looking to get back on their feet
After seeing the need, Grant is making this a quarterly drive
You can drop off donations at the Salvation Army Center of Hope at 534 Spratt Street in Charlotte
“We don’t think about it, but underwear is essential to women for one thing. It’s part of good health, part of good hygiene,” Grant said.
She said, it’s not something most people think to donate, but can make a big difference. “I think having clean underwear is just what helps boost their self-confidence, and no one should have to go without,” Grant said.
Along with underwear, Tracy has dozens of individually packaged hygiene products, including sanitary napkins and body wipes.
It’s not just the women’s shelter. Grant also dropped off over 250 dozen pairs of socks at the Roof Above Howard Levine Men’s Shelter just weeks prior. It’s another item that’s rarely donated, Grant said, but one that’s important.
“Some people like to sleep in socks, and your feet are one of the most important things on your body. So we need to take care of our feet,” Grant said.
She explained these things could help people feel dignified while they find housing and eventually a job and a home.
“I’ve had a lot of people I know that have had success,” Grant said. “So I know it works. It just takes time. It just takes patience. It just takes giving. It just takes conversations, and it just takes grace.”
The Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte Area commander Major Andrew Wiley says he sees the change through these acts of kindness.
“We’ve just in the last two weeks had two of our residents who have secured jobs,” he said. “Nobody’s thinking about the things that we’re seeing here today. And so this is incredibly exciting for me to see an individual who saw a need and was willing to step up and do something about it, and a need that many times is forgotten.”
After realizing the great need in the community, Grant has decided to make her “Dignity Drive” a quarterly one to help shelters across Mecklenburg County.
“We can all be a servant. We can all give back, whether it’s your time, whether it’s your resources. No matter what it is, I think that we all have something to give to someone else,” Grant said.
Grant’s next donation collection will be in November. If you’d like to help, you can drop off donations at the Salvation Army Center of Hope at 534 Spratt Street in Charlotte.
PALM HARBOR, Fla. — A Pinellas County nurse’s sense of compassion makes her great at her job at HCA Florida Northside Hospital.
It’s also the reason the hospital recognized Karla Pedersen for her volunteer work away from the hospital.
What You Need To Know
Karla Pedersen works weekend overnights at HCA Florida Northside hospital in Pinellas County
The hospital recognized her for donating the most volunteer hours to the community
Pedersen grooms and walks horses and other animals at the A.R.K. in Palm Harbor
The organization provides animal therapy to special needs children
Pedersen works weekend overnights in the neuro ICU at the hospital. She mostly cares for stroke and brain injury patients.
“We get them where they are at the worst moment of their lives,” she said. “I’ve had bad moments in my life and I’m able to give back some of the compassion that’s been given to me.”
The hospital recently recognized Pedersen for her volunteer work. She had donated the most hours to the community of any staff member.
She spends most of her time grooming animals, like a horse named Gabel.
“We groom all the large animals the same way,” she said. “It keeps them healthy. It keeps them clean.”
The grooming also keeps them calm.
“Some of these special needs kids, when they see a large animal, it makes them nervous, so we need to teach these guys to be calm.”
Pederson usually comes to A.R.K. early in the morning after she has worked all night at the hospital. It’s a great stress reliever.
“But then I come here on Monday mornings and it’s my decompress time,” said Pederson, who added that her decompression time includes taking the horses for a walk along a wooded trail.
She started volunteering at A.R.K. as a project for her homeschooled teenage son.
“It’s something that I do with my teenager. It gives us common ground. It gives us a place to do something that gives us something that we both enjoy.”
