Who Is Your Hero?

Do you have a personal hero? Tell us about them. It doesn’t have to be perfect to make a difference in someone else’s life.

Your Everyday Hero: Doris G.

In the late 1970's, Carroll Park was a block of crime and dirty deeds in inner city Philadelphia, so bad that one could not pass through during the daytime. But one day, a group of residents decided to change that. They entered the park ready to change it for the better. With paintbrushes, rakes, brooms, and determination as their tools, this group transformed the park from a disgusting area to a beautiful spot to relax, complete with benches and clean sidewalks. Later, they put up two playgrounds so that the neighborhood children could play. Doris G. was a part of this group, and it was her passion to clean up the park, or "take it back," as she likes to say. She worked there every day, little by little making it even more beautiful with brightly colored benches, mowed grass, and trimmed bushes. 30 years later, Doris is still there, always working hard with a smile on her face to make the park remain a place that brings calm to adults, joy to children, and a break from hectic lives to all. Doris G. truly is the heart and soul of Carroll Park.

Story was submitted anonymously