Giving Thanks for Giving

I’ve always been drawn to the stories of unsung heroes. You know the folks I mean. The people who look rather embarrassed when someone makes a fuss over them and what they have done. Whether it’s a long-term relationship of caring or an amazing act of generosity or bravery, they do it because it’s the right thing to do. 

In my own community, I can think of several such people, but one in particular stands out. My friend has helped elderly neighbors, friends, and colleagues for decades in some cases, in quiet and important ways. My friend has his own family, a high-powered job, and does lots of other community service. He never calls attention to the help he provides to individuals. I probably only know a fraction of the good he has done for others and usually only find out when I stumble upon a detail or we get on a subject like finding a good nursing home and he turns out to know way more than his personal situation would warrant. In one case, he became legally responsible for an older colleague who became infirm and had no one else to care for him. I am in awe of my friend for the quiet and constant support he provides to those in need, with incredible graciousness, generous in both time and spirit.

I bet you know unsung heroes too. Tell us about them. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I’ve teamed up with Cooking Planit (and other bloggers in the Cooking Planit community) to seek out these stories and publicize them. 

Share a story in 300 words or less about an unsung hero you would like to recognize. 

You can tell us your story either through the Cooking Planit blog or the Cooking Planit Facebook page.

For the five winning stories:

• The author will win a $100 Visa gift card (or equivalent) and the unsung hero subject will win a $250 Visa gift card (or equivalent.) 
• Plus, Cooking Planit will donate $1,000 to a local charity named by the unsung hero/subject of the first place winning story. 

Here are the official rules and story guidelines for the Giving Thanks for Giving Contest. Entries will include an opt-in to the Cooking Planit e-mail newsletter. (You may unsubscribe at any time.) This contest is open until 11:59 pm CST on November 1, 2013.

And thanks to all of you, who inspire me in so many ways.