heroes in Appalachia

We can all be heroes to the people of Appalachia

August 1, 2019

My granddad has always been my superhero.

I’ve always been inspired by his experiences; growing up during the depression, serving in the Air Force during WWII, meeting presidents, working at the White House, getting a PhD, and starting Americans Helping Americans. Over the years, we would have family dinners, and granddad would share riveting, inspiring, and sometimes even sad stories of the folks he met in community after community throughout Appalachia. He was so committed to always making their lives a bit better, with a hand-up.

A few weeks ago, he ‘passed the torch’ of leading Americans Helping Americans to me…challenging me to help as many as I could in the years to come. I’m so honored, and humbled, and hope to be a superhero to as many as he has.

And, just maybe, I can feel that AHA superpower just a little.

Last week, I was lucky enough to ride on the Lunch Box Bus in Rodgesville, TN to help bring lunch to the hundreds that don’t have school lunch during the summer days. I sat on the school bus seat and asked the children being served lunch who their personal superhero was. A chorus of “Wonder Woman,” “Superman,” and “Captain America” filled the school bus!

But then one small, seven-year-old girl, quietly said, “Whoever brings me food for the day.”

I was crushed. I sat next to her and talked to her more but before I knew it, time was up. She finished eating and she hopped off the bus. The bus driver told me that she ate lunch on the bus everyday and each time she got off she would say, “Thanks for the food.” She got half way down the street and we were wondering if she was going to say it this time. We waited and waited, wondering if this would be the 1st time she didn’t say thanks. Then we heard her voice from down the street as she yelled for all to hear:

“THANKS FOR THE FOOD!”

I felt like a hero! Not just to her but to all the children we served lunch to that day. An immense feeling of pride swept over me. A feeling that can only be replicated from knowing I did a good deed. So shout out to all the amazing people out there who know exactly what I’m talking about. Shout out to my granddad!

And if you would like to be a hero to a child, a gift to Americans Helping Americans will go far!

We can all be superheroes, just like granddad.

Related Blogs

Breaking Down Barriers for Students in Appalachia

Breaking Down Barriers for Students in Appalachia

The Want2Work (W2W) program from Americans Helping Americans® provides critical financial assistance for GED programs, vocational training, and certification exams. By removing financial barriers, W2W helps young adults acquire the skills necessary to secure stable,...

Americans Helping Americans® – Hero of the Month: Pam Hester

Americans Helping Americans® – Hero of the Month: Pam Hester

Pam Hester has been involved with Americans Helping Americans® partner Appalachian Ministries of the Smokies (AMOS) in Jefferson City, Tennessee, for more than two decades. She first volunteered with First Baptist Church (FBC) in Jefferson City when the church hosted...

Stepping Forward: Providing New Shoes for Kids in Appalachia

Stepping Forward: Providing New Shoes for Kids in Appalachia

Why New Shoes Matter for Kids in Appalachia Throughout Appalachia, countless children arrive at school in worn-out, ill-fitting, hand-me-down shoes, often with more holes than soles. “Without a good pair of shoes, the kids feel embarrassed, discouraged, or left out –...

Afterschool Programs Giving Appalachian Students a Brighter Future

Afterschool Programs Giving Appalachian Students a Brighter Future

Across Appalachia, students are returning to school this month, many to classrooms where the day’s lessons will end without the extra academic help and encouragement they need at home. Thanks to the generosity of Americans Helping Americans® supporters, we are able to...