In the Jewish tradition, the world continues to exist thanks to 36 righteous individuals—the Lamed Vovnik—who do good deeds anonymously.
Recently Guideposts sought out Americans who, like those unknown “good people,” give generously of their time and talents “under the radar” with no thought of compensation or accolades.
We sponsored a contest, announced in the magazine and at guideposts.org, asking for nominations of Inspirational Everyday Americans.
“It was so touching to learn about ordinary people doing such heroic things,” says Guideposts executive editor Rick Hamlin. “It’s no surprise that people volunteer but I was impressed with the variety of activities and commitment people showed.”
The nominations came in from across the country, sometimes anonymously, shouting out community members who started soup kitchens, helped the underprivileged, assisted the elderly.
Though it was difficult for Hamlin and contest partner Silver Dollar City to choose, three amazing individuals stood out: Robert Best of Orangeville, California, Elizabeth Estepp of Hamm Lake, Minnesota and Doneen Key of Madison, North Carolina.
Here are brief descriptions of what Guideposts Inspirational Everyday Americans for 2010 have done to deserve our praise and respect.
Robert Best
Orangevale, California has 911 for emergencies, but if it’s not life threatening, there’s also 1-800-GRANDPA. That’s what teen Cameron Lewis called when he and his mom Joan discovered that the decayed tree in their front yard was about to topple into their home. Retired 68-year old Grandpa, Bob Best, may not have a cape, but he came to their rescue and saved the day.
Best is able to fell tall trees, and take on insurance companies. When his bridge club acquaintance, 91-year-old Judy McFarland, was exhausted and depressed from haggling over medical costs, for example, Bob stepped in to fight for her policy rights, and to shuttle her to and from appointments.
Bob frequently brings seniors where they need to go, or visits the elderly to help cook, clean and share a story or laugh. Bob and his pick-up truck also play a valuable role for all the town’s readers. Friends of the Orangevale Library frequently call on Bob to move boxes of books.
Every Thursday morning you’ll find Bob manning the grill at the First Presbyterian Church, which provides breakfast for underprivileged children. He’s also at the church monthly to volunteer for their recycling program.
Elizabeth Estepp
If you live anywhere near Ham Lake, Minnesota, you’re lucky to have Elizabeth Estepp’s “Friend 2 Friend” traveling clothes closet at your service. Elizabeth converted her husband’s car-hauling trailer into a clothes-mobile, stocked it with donations then distributed the clothes to the needy in church parking lots. Over time, the “Friend 2 Friend” donation and distribution route has steadily grown; in one week alone, Elizabeth’s trailer saw 600 visitors.
This everyday angel is tireless, it seems. She drove the trailer to a Minneapolis youth center to help young first-time job seekers find appropriate head-to-toe attire for their first interviews.
Elizabeth also organized a school supply drive for the second year and Back-to-School BBQs at five apartment complexes and trailer courts near her church, recruiting volunteers to help her ensure each underprivileged child had a brand new backpack filled with everything on their school supply list.
Doneen Key
Doneen Key may have a rare birth defect, but it’s far outshined by her rare spirit. Born with Apert Syndrome, characterized by malformations of the skull, face, hands and feet, she has endured 27 surgeries in her life along with countless doctor visits. However, Doneen has never described herself as “handicapped”and instead has dedicated her life to helping others.
She actively participates in a support group for children and adults with Apert Syndrome and their families, and wrote a book about her life to provide encouragement and understanding to anyone coping with the disease.
For residents of Britthaven Nursing Home in Madison, North Carolina, she leads Bingo games, helps in the Alzheimer’s unit, organizes birthday parties for residents and staff, pushes wheelchair-bound residents where they need to go, buys holiday gifts for those without family, and entertains by singing and playing the Omnichord, a small electronic harp.
Celebration is central to Doneen’s philosophy of life, and to that end she reaches out by telephone and by sending greeting cards to the home-bound, widows and widowers, and anyone who might need a lift.
Says Britthaven activities director Tricia Bullins, “Doneen loves life and every individual she comes in contact with. Her kind spirit, forgiving soul and love of humankind follow her wherever she goes.”
The winners were awarded a weekend trip to Silver Dollar City.
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