Each month, we proudly nominate a “Hero of the Month” as part of our ongoing commitment to recognize and celebrate individuals who go above and beyond to make a positive impact in their communities.
These unsung heroes embody the spirit of selflessness and service, inspiring us all to be better and do more for those in need. As a token of our appreciation, we offer a $250 prize to the Hero chosen in furthering their mission to make the world a better place.
Join us in acknowledging these exceptional individuals and their remarkable contributions and nominate your “Hero of the Month” below.
Lisa Beins exemplifies selfless service to our community. As a middle school crossing guard, she ensures our children's safety every day. Despite caring for her terminally ill husband, Lisa consistently finds time to help others—from stepping in to distribute candy at the Chamber's Halloween walk when volunteers didn't show, to assisting neighbors with their gardens.
Before her husband's illness, Lisa single-handedly planted and maintained flowers throughout the business district, transforming our downtown with beauty she provided at no cost. Her generosity knows no bounds, and her caring spirit touches everyone she meets. Lisa is a true blessing to our community—a selfless giver who always puts others first, even during her own most challenging times.
January 2026
Plano Rockin' Christmas is an annual holiday celebration in Plano, Illinois, now in its 23rd year, that brings the community together through a festive lighted parade, holiday activities, and charitable giving. Organized by the nonprofit Plano Rockin' Christmas, the event features a unique parade where residents decorate their vehicles, tractors, and equipment with lights and join the procession through downtown, starting from Plano High School and traveling down Main Street. The celebration includes live music performed by local school bands, free hot chocolate and cookies at the historic Plano Depot, visits with Santa, and the ceremonial lighting of Main Street. A highlight of the event is the presentation of the Ross Greiter Spirit Award, honoring a community member who embodies the spirit of generosity and giving—named after a teenager who was deeply involved in community outreach before his tragic passing. Proceeds from the event support local families in need through holiday meal gift cards, with donations collected by the Plano Police Department and Little Rock-Fox Fire Protection District. The event exemplifies Plano's strong spirit of volunteerism and community care during the holiday season.
November 2025
The First Lutheran Church of Plano dedicated a children's Little Free Library in September 2025, as a testament to the good that happens when we share freely with one another, embodying the church's mission of serving the community with open hearts.
Congregation and community members generously donate books to keep the library stocked, while the church provides special holiday books, coloring books, crayons, bookmarks, and puzzles. This beloved addition to the community ensures that every child has access to the joy of reading and creative activities, fostering a love of learning and connection right in the heart of Plano.
Learn MoreOctober 2025
Anita Lewis advocates for the Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry in Aurora, founded to make basic life needs available to households in need. Each week, the pantry serves over 1,100 community members with healthy and nutritious food, supporting a diverse population that includes children, seniors, low-income residents, and persons with disabilities.
The Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry is dedicated to continuing Marie Wilkinson's legacy by meeting the hunger needs of individuals and their families through collaborations and partnerships throughout Aurora and the surrounding community.
Learn MoreAugust 2025
St. Jude's is a leading pediatric treatment and research facility dedicated to finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. St. Jude operates on the mission that no child should be denied treatment based on race, religion, or a family's ability to pay. The hospital leads the way in understanding, treating, and defeating childhood cancer and life-threatening diseases through groundbreaking research, innovative clinical trials, and world-class care. Supported entirely by generous donors through ALSAC (the fundraising and awareness organization), St. Jude continues to push the boundaries of pediatric medicine while ensuring that every child has the chance to live.
Learn MoreJune 2025
Bikers Against Child Abuse (B.A.C.A.) of Illinois is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering children who have been victims of abuse, operating under the principle that "No Child Deserves to Live in Fear." B.A.C.A. members, who are bikers committed to breaking the chains of abuse, work to create a safer environment for traumatized children by offering physical and emotional support, intervening when appropriate, and standing as a source of strength and security. Through their visible presence and dedication, B.A.C.A. helps children overcome their fears and provides families with assistance during the healing process, making a powerful difference in the lives of vulnerable youth throughout Illinois.
Learn MoreMay 2025
Affectionately known as "the Hat Lady," Louise has been the beloved crossing guard at the corner of Wells and Lions in Sandwich, Illinois, for over 30 years. Louise greets children and drivers each day wearing one of her 415 hats or 50+ costumes—from a penguin suit on snowy mornings to a Thomas Jefferson outfit for Constitution Day. The community has embraced Louise as family and she aims to reach 50 years as crossing guard, starting each day right with her joyful smile, wave, and whimsical wardrobe.
February 2025
Family Service Agency of DeKalb County is a private nonprofit organization that has been strengthening individuals and families since 1956, operating as one of the oldest service providers in the area. Committed to the belief that every person deserves the highest quality of life possible, FSA serves as an umbrella agency encompassing five distinct social service programs: the Children's Advocacy Center, School-Based & Youth Programming, Center for Counseling, Senior Services, and Community Action Program. The agency also operates the Country Store Thrift Shop and coordinates efforts among local organizations to deliver comprehensive care throughout DeKalb County. With a dedication to diversity, equitable services, and treating the community with dignity, Family Service Agency provides essential counseling, support services, and resources to children, families, and seniors across the county.
Learn MoreJanuary 2025
First Lutheran Church of Plano lives out its mission of "Stronger together - Serving Christ - For the sake of all" through its vital food pantry ministries. The church hosts a popular 24/7 micro food pantry that provides emergency meals to community members in need at any hour, stocked with non-perishables, soups, canned meats, and shelf-stable milk through the generosity of church and community members.
Additionally, the church partners with the Kendall County Community Food Pantry (KCCFP) to host a monthly food pantry. Rooted in the belief that God's love has no boundaries and that we are called to meet people's needs through love, First Lutheran Church ensures that no one in their community faces hunger alone.
Learn MoreDecember 2024
Fox Valley Community Services (formerly Fox Valley Older Adult Services) has been helping seniors live active, independent lives since 1972, serving residents across DeKalb, Kane, Kendall, and LaSalle Counties in Illinois. The organization provides comprehensive support services including home care assistance, adult day services, active adult programs featuring fitness and wellness activities, nutritious meals through partnerships with Meals on Wheels, and transportation services. With a mission to help seniors age positively and creatively, Fox Valley Community Services enhances dignity, self-respect, and community participation while empowering individuals to maintain their independence.
Learn MoreOctober 2024
Shari runs Called to Care, a nonprofit organization based in Plano, Illinois, dedicated to supporting children and families involved in the foster care system. The organization supplies essential items to foster families when a child is placed in their care, often responding to emergency calls in the middle of the night when children of all ages arrive with nothing. Called to Care drops off packs filled with necessary supplies and also offers counseling services to help these families stabilize and thrive.
Shari brings a huge passion to this work, having been a foster parent herself with great success, ultimately adopting multiple foster children from her care.
Learn MoreSeptember 2024
Jason is recognized for his outstanding contributions to the Sandwich school system, where he leads the Stars program, teaches children with special needs, and serves as the head football coach and varsity baseball coach at Sandwich High School.
August 2024
Mischelle at Reiners Memorials is recognized for her exceptional compassion, honesty, and professionalism during families' most difficult times. Known for her patience, kindness, and grace, she guides families through the memorial selection process with genuine care and transparency. Whether working with individuals or large family groups with varying preferences, Mischelle listens attentively and provides thoughtful insights to create beautiful, meaningful tributes. Her ability to make an emotionally challenging process as smooth and comforting as possible, describing her as not just a knowledgeable professional, but a true friend who genuinely cares during their time of loss.
July 2024
Special Olympics Illinois (SOILL) is the birthplace of the global Special Olympics movement and a qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that transforms lives through the power of sports and community. Operating year-round across Illinois, SOILL provides training and competition opportunities for athletes of all ages with intellectual disabilities, offering programs in traditional sports, eSports, unified sports, and athlete leadership development. With strong partnerships throughout the community, Special Olympics Illinois continues to promote health, wellness, and opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities throughout the state.
Learn MoreJune 2024
Recycled Rotts Inc. is a nonprofit Rottweiler rescue organization based in Oswego, Illinois, dedicated to rescuing, fostering, and rehoming Rottweilers in need. The organization works with abandoned, surrendered, and at-risk Rottweilers, providing them with medical care, rehabilitation, and temporary housing while searching for appropriate permanent homes. Recycled Rotts operates through a network of volunteers and relies on donations, sponsorships, and community support to cover veterinary expenses and the ongoing care of dogs awaiting adoption.
Learn MoreMay 2024
Deputy Sheriff Christina Musil was a dedicated public servant and an Illinois Army National Guard veteran who served as military police in Afghanistan. She served five years with the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office being struck and killed by a reckless driver while on duty in March 2024. Her sacrifice reminds us of the dangers law enforcement officers face daily while protecting our communities.
Deputy Musil's legacy of service lives on through her three children, her family, and the countless lives she touched through her dedication to duty and country. We honor her memory and her ultimate sacrifice in keeping our community safe.
Donate HereApril 2024
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