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Tag: everyday hero

  • 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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  • 100-year-old Denver7 Everyday Hero still delivering Meals on Wheels after over 40 years of service

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    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.

    Richard Butler

    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.”

    the feases.png

    Richard Butler

    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.

    faes delivery.png

    Richard Butler

    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.

    faes award 2.png

    Richard Butler

    “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.

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    Richard Butler

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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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  • Denver7 Everyday Heroes marks 26 years with Catholic Charities’ Adopt-A-Family

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    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.

    The Broomfield couple is in its 26th year participating with Catholic Charities’ Adopt-A-Family program, which connects donors with individuals and families seeking help during the holiday season.

    Richard Butler

    Todd and Laura Clyncke, Adopt-A-Family Volunteers

    “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.

    Todd Clyncke shopping.png

    Richard Butler

    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    Richard Butler

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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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  • Denver7 Everyday Hero honored for years of service with the Salvation Army

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    Richard Butler

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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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  • Denver7 Everyday Hero honored for expanding sports access in rural Colorado

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    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.

    mussman 1.png

    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.”

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    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.

    Denver7 features a different Everyday Hero each week. To nominate a hero in your life, click here.

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