Maria Bell is a driving force for change in Hardin County, KY, through her not-for-profit organization, Be the Change Food Bank. Her dedication is evident in every aspect of the work—whether restocking shelves, coordinating volunteers, answering emergency requests, or cooking in her own kitchen to ensure no one goes hungry.

Lauren, a senior at Our Lady of Providence High School, dedicated more than 100 hours to service this past year. She was the acting President of the Clarksville Youth Council, whose mission is to make a positive impact in the lives of youth in Clarksville, IN.

At just 12 years old, Lily founded her first non-profit, Wrapped in God’s Warmth, with a mission to provide comfort to those in need during the colder months. This past January, she delivered more than 310 kits to St. Vincent de Paul’s Shelby Park Campus.

For Harold Conrad, giving back is deeply personal. After receiving a life-saving liver transplant at UofL Health–Jewish Hospital, he began volunteering there in 2012 as a way to show his gratitude. What started as one afternoon a week has grown into an extraordinary commitment—today, Harold donates up to 60 hours a week of his time at both Jewish Hospital and Frazier Rehabilitation.

Margaret Dickinson has dedicated her life to serving her community, and that includes making sure everyone has food. Since 1982, she has been volunteering at the Calvary Episcopal food pantry. Margaret is now the director of the food pantry.

Doug Drake is a staple in his community. He has worked to bolster up many organizations throughout the Metro. Giving time, support, and expertise, Doug knows there are a number of ways to better his community. He volunteers to show that any time put into the community enough to support those around him.

Aaron Garofola is the co-founder and operator, along with his wife Ashlea, of The Backward Backpack, a non-profit dedicated to providing sensory-support backpacks for children on the autism spectrum during emergency situations. Aaron leads fundraising and community outreach efforts, assembles the kits, coordinates with first responders, and often personally delivers the backpacks to ensure children receive the dignity, safety, and care they deserve in their most vulnerable moments.

Mike Bucci is a catalyst for inspiring others, often rallying co-workers, friends, and family to join him in amplifying the impact of his volunteer efforts. A devoted single father, he frequently serves alongside his teenage daughter, Olivia, instilling in her a shared commitment to giving back. Despite the demands of a full-time job, Mike dedicated an impressive 545 hours to 33 different organizations in 2024.

At 77 years young, Maureen Durbin is a shining example that adversity need not stand in the way of serving others. An illness in infancy left her blind in one eye, and she has faced—and overcome—multiple battles with cancer. Drawing from her own journey, Maureen regularly counsels individuals newly diagnosed with cancer, offering compassion, encouragement, and hope.

Mike serves as the Executive Director of Ready Fest, a one-day event that ensures every child attending school in Shelby County, KY, has the supplies needed to start the year prepared. In this role, he oversees the collection and purchasing of supplies, researches and writes grants, and forges connections with community groups to support the initiative. He works closely with school resource coordinators to make certain no student is left without the essentials.

Carl Thomas is a philanthropic leader whose dedication to service is reflected in his wide-ranging commitment to the community. He currently serves on nine boards of directors, including Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana, Home of the Innocents, The Filson Historical Society, Lincoln Heritage Council of Scouting USA, Jefferson County Public Education Foundation, the Louisville Ballet, Cave Hill Heritage Fund, Baptist Health Louisville Foundation Board, and Park Springs LLC.

Chris’s commitment to service is reflected in his wide-ranging involvement with organizations throughout the community, including Kentucky Refugee Ministries, Dare to Care, Blanket Louisville, Youth in Action, Radio Eye, St. Vincent de Paul, St. John Paul II Academy and Parish, Age Friendly Louisville, the Alzheimer’s Association of Kentuckiana, and Jewish Family Career Services, among others.