Charles Radl
Charles Radl has been a civil service employee in the federal government for 34 years. He has his Masters of Science in Oceanography from the Florida Institute of Technology. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the Mississippi coastline sustained catastrophic damage. Mr. Radl sprang into action and Began organizing and leading groups of volunteers into the region. His groups were responsible for transporting food, supplies, and building materials into the region as well as completing many reconstruction projects and social service projects.
To date, four homes have been completely rebuilt along with one business which has been restored. Because of Mr. Radl efforts more than 100 volunteers have aided in the restoration of Mississippi.
Juanita Thomas-Davis
Juanita Thomas-Davis helped in the creation of the Jasper County Food Bank and is now the acting director. Her participation in the mobile food pantry is entirely volunteered and she’s been active in the organization since 2010, when the JCFB was first started.
In a Community of 14,000 residents over 6,000 have had food provided by the Mobile Food Panty or the Distribution Center which is open twice a week to help the community’s food insecurities. 90% of the funding is through local churches and individuals.
GC Miracle at Georgia College & State University-
The Children’s Hospital at the Medical Center of Central Georgia, a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital, is the only dedicated children’s facility between Atlanta, GA and Gainesville, FL, making it the predominant source of healthcare of over 49,000 Children. The facility was in dire need of and Intermediate Care Unit, an expansion of the Neo-Natal intensive Care Unit for babes born pre-term, and funding for the educational service Child Life Services.
In 2004 GC Miracle decided to take matters in to their own hands. The Student lead organization is comprised of 42 dedicated student volunteers. The organization to date has raised over $150,000 by organizing and coordinating fundraising events. GC Miracle continues to help and is the largest student-led-fundraising organization at Georgia College and State University.
Lorelei McIntyre-Brewer
In 2005 Lorelei was born missing half her heart, since birth she has undergone 16 medical procedures, including three open heart surgeries. During her recovery she was given a compression heart pillow, which, when hugged across the chest, the pillow was used as an effective non-medicinal form of pain relief and helps to get rid of the fluid buildup.
When Lorelei turned 5 she had the idea to start making compression heart pillows for other pediatric heart and lung patients. Lorelei unfortunately had to use an adult size pillow that her grandfather used during his own recovery after a quadruple bypass surgery. Heart Hugs were made much smaller.
Today Heart Hug Pillows are being mailed around the world, her non-profit has inspired many groups of women to help keep up with the unfortunate demand for these pediatric compression pillows.
Lorelei’s story is absolutely inspiring and encourages us all to get involved.
Cavan McIntyre-Brewer
Cavan McIntyre-Brewer created Socks for Vets in 2009 at the age of 8. Cayan started the non-profit as an attempt to connect with veterans at the North Carolina state veterans home, after a visit to the facility he noticed that many were without underclothes. He became determined to change this.
Today Socks for Vets serves approximately 15,000 Veterans and Wounded Warriors a year, visiting nursing homes, advocating on Capitol Hill, participating at various events, and, most recently, training pack goats to carry goods for wounded warriors on hiking and camping trips.
At age 11 Cayan’s work has been noticed around the globe and Cayan was recently congratulated by First Lady Obama. At such a young age he is capable of inspiring people all over the world to make a difference in their communities and support our military.
David Worley
David Worley has been a volunteer at the Jupiter Parks & Recreation for over 5 years, starting at the age of 12. In those 5 years he has volunteered over 500 ours and helps organize and prepare for over 20 events annually.
David is a reliable volunteer, who is always on time, responsible, and is a team player. He makes a difference in children’s lives that he has made relationships with. He is always cheerful and happy to be around.
On top of David’s work with the Parks & Recs he volunteers at local nursing homes and after school tutoring facilities all while being a full time student, and working a part time job.
Francesca Garrett
To the average ninth grader in San Antonio, Texas, World War II feels nearly as ancient and remote as the Civil War. The stories of those who lost their lives under Hitler’s reign are often little more than footnotes in a history book. But thanks to Francesca Garrett, the Holocaust Memorial Museum’s volunteer social media consultant, history is accessible and relevant to students who often feel most at home behind a screen.
Students too shy to raise a hand after hearing the museum’s three local survivors speak in person can log on to www.facebook.com/hmmsa, and receive an answer to their questions within 24 hours. Francesca’s weekly stories of historic heroism, highlighting individual rescue and resistance efforts during the Holocaust, offer students and parents alike a sense of hope and community. Her featured news stories frequently relate the central roles of the Holocaust (the rescuer, victim, persecutor and bystander) to modern bullying, encouraging students to speak up against a form of injustice they experience daily. Finally, her calls to action allow students to fight modern genocide through awareness and activism.
Francesca’s work also provides a vital connection to the past that will become all the more important as the number of living survivors continues to dwindle. As the museum loses its ability to bring visitors in to hear living history, it must turn to new and innovative ideas like Francesca’s to engage visitors from the comfort of their own homes – and to inspire them to come in to learn more.
Courtney LaHatte
The Smiley Kids Club, led by Courtney, addresses the dental health and nutritional needs of Baldwin County, Georgia. Through the Club, Courtney uses visual demonstration, child-centered activities, songs, and literacy and discussion to engage and educate children on health and dental hygiene. By putting its focus on children at a young age, the Club makes an impact on children’s lives that can instill lifelong healthy habits. The hope is that if children develop positive dental hygiene practices at a young age, they will retain them throughout adulthood.
Brian Boyle
In 2004, a horrific car crash almost claimed Brian Boyle’s life on his way home from swim practice. His heart moved across his chest and all major organs were damaged. When he emerged from a medically induced coma, doctors predicted he might never walk again, but after multiple surgeries, 36 blood transfusions, 13 plasma treatments and physical therapy, Brian walked. Just three years after leaving ICU, he crossed the finish line at the Hawaii Ironman Triathalon. He wears the American Red Cross logo when he competes to thank those who donated blood for him, and to show his sincerest appreciation to the blood donors that saved his life. Only a small percentage of people donate blood and Brian wants to change that.
For the past five years, Brian has travelled across the nation speaking at Red Cross events, hosting blood drives and acting as a national spokesperson to illustrate the crucial need for blood. He also participates in marathons and triathlons on behalf of the Red Cross, each time wearing the Red Cross emblem on the front and back of his suit. By sharing his personal story, Brian encourages others to support the Red Cross by donating blood, volunteering their time or making a financial contribution.
Kayla Tinucci
Kayla Tinucci created The Shoe Crew to help kids in need. This summer, she spent more than 400 hours collecting shoes for kids across southern California. In five months, she led a group of 20 kids and teens to collect more than 3,000 pairs of shoes and $17,000. Kayla’s Shoe Crew keeps a stock of shoes for emergency and disaster relief and sent more than 200 pairs to the victims of Hurricane Sandy.
