<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>Heroes at Home Archives - Bob's Blog</title> <atom:link href="https://www.mybobs.com/tag/heroes-at-home/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://www.mybobs.com/blog/tag/heroes-at-home/</link> <description></description> <lastBuildDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 19:16:37 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4</generator> <image> <url>https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/cropped-B-icon-32x32.png</url> <title>Heroes at Home Archives - Bob's Blog</title> <link>https://www.mybobs.com/blog/tag/heroes-at-home/</link> <width>32</width> <height>32</height> </image> <item> <title>Heroes at Home — Celebrating Our 2025 Spotlight Heroes & Paying It Forward</title> <link>https://www.mybobs.com/blog/heroes-at-home-celebrating-our-2025-spotlight-heroes-paying-it-forward/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Bob]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 17:38:02 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Community Outreach]]></category> <category><![CDATA[bob's discount furniture]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Community Giving]]></category> <category><![CDATA[heroes]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Heroes at Home]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Newsroom]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Outreach]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mybobs.com/blog/?p=8660</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>As 2025 draws to a close, Bob’s and Joe Gibbs Racing are proud to look back on the inspiring individuals featured in our Heroes at Home series — people who, through everyday kindness, service, and compassion, remind us that heroes live among us. Below is a recap of the 11 incredible heroes we’ve honored this […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.mybobs.com/blog/heroes-at-home-celebrating-our-2025-spotlight-heroes-paying-it-forward/">Heroes at Home — Celebrating Our 2025 Spotlight Heroes & Paying It Forward</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.mybobs.com/blog">Bob's Blog</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>As 2025 draws to a close, Bob’s and Joe Gibbs Racing are proud to look back on the inspiring individuals featured in our Heroes at Home series — people who, through everyday kindness, service, and compassion, remind us that heroes live among us.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Below is a recap of the 11 incredible heroes we’ve honored this season, and how they are making a difference in their communities:</h3> <p>Daniel Norris (St. Mary’s County, MD) — a Marine Corps combat veteran, EMS-trained volunteer, and current EMS dispatch hopeful. Daniel devotes much of his post-service life to supporting fellow veterans, promoting mental-health awareness, and volunteering with children through community and faith-based programs. <a href="https://www.mybobs.com/blog/heroes-at-home-daniel-norris/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Read more about Daniel</a>.</p> <p>Amanda Smith (East Hartford, CT) — licensed professional counselor, mobile crisis clinician, and founder of youth nonprofit Game Changers Basketball Inc.. Amanda works tirelessly to support families facing mental-health challenges, homelessness, or financial hardship — offering hope, stability, and community connection. <a href="https://www.mybobs.com/blog/heroes-at-home-amanda-smith/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Read more about Amanda</a>.</p> <p>Dee Strauss (King George, VA) — High-school teacher, DECA advisor, and longtime community volunteer. Through her work, Dee models social responsibility for students and organizes outreach via local thrift stores and community festivals, providing practical help for families in need. <a href="https://www.mybobs.com/blog/heroes-at-home-dee-strauss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Read more about Dee</a>.</p> <p>Kelsey Carter (San Angelo, TX) — ER nurse and former volunteer firefighter. Her dedication under pressure, compassion for patients, and commitment to her community are a powerful example of what it means to care for others in their most vulnerable moments. <a href="https://www.mybobs.com/blog/heroes-at-home-kelsey-carter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Read more about Kelsey</a>.</p> <p>Alistair Robertson (Kingsburg, CA) — A pediatric oncology social worker at Valley Children’s Hospital. For 33 years, Alistair has supported children and families facing cancer — offering emotional, social, and practical support through their journey. He also helped implement a survivorship scholarship program for childhood-cancer survivors, providing $1,000 scholarships to help them pursue their educational goals. <a href="https://www.mybobs.com/blog/heroes-at-home-alistair-robertson/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Read more about Alistair</a>.</p> <p>Nicole Yarrow (Lowell, IN) — Executive Director of the Northwest Indiana Cancer Kids Foundation (NICK). After seeing firsthand how her family was helped when her son battled leukemia, Nicole helps other families cope with childhood cancer by providing financial aid, hospital essentials, and emotional support. <a href="https://www.mybobs.com/blog/heroes-at-home-nicole-yarrow/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Read more about Nicole</a>.</p> <p>Tony Apuzzi (Westchester County, NY) — A special-education teacher and founder of The Positivity Project. Tony uses the power of mentorship and positive role models to help his students achieve academic success and envision a better future. <a href="https://www.mybobs.com/blog/heroes-at-home-tony-apuzzi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Read more about Tony</a>.</p> <p>Nicky Engel (Charlotte, NC) — A self-described “army brat”, Nicky Engel considered the entire world her hometown — now, she dedicates her time to her current hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina through her work as a volunteer coordinator with the Charlotte International Airport USO and as a voting poll worker. <a href="https://www.mybobs.com/blog/heroes-at-home-nicky-engel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Read more about Nicky</a>.</p> <p>Katie Craft (Elkhart, IN) — Founder and executive director of Resonant Vibe, a nonprofit offering mentoring and music-based programs to youth. In response to the need for quality mentorship and access to creative outlets, Katie launched this organization to help young people build confidence, skills, and community. <a href="https://www.mybobs.com/blog/heroes-at-home-katie-craft/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Read more about Katie</a>.</p> <p>Marina Elliot (Bunnlevel, NC) — After 30 years of service in the U.S. Air Force, Marina Elliott continues to dedicate her life to helping others through volunteer work with the USO, local food pantries, and community organizations. She finds joy in giving back and lifting others’ spirits through simple acts of kindness. Marina believes in the power of community and that together, things will get better. <a href="https://www.mybobs.com/blog/heroes-at-home-marina-elliott/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Read more about Marina</a>.</p> <p>Each of their stories shows that heroism isn’t always about grand gestures — sometimes it’s about quietly showing up, offering compassion, uplifting others, and giving a little extra when it’s needed most.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Paying It Forward — Honoring Their Service with Giving</h2> <p>To celebrate these heroes and their commitment to community, Bob’s recently donated $11,000 ($1,000 for each hero) to USO, an organization who has supported our nation’s heroes for over 80 years.</p> <div class="wp-block-image"> <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="1024" height="682" src="https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/image-21-1024x682.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-8662" srcset="https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/image-21-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/image-21-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/image-21-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/image-21-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/image-21-550x367.jpeg 550w, https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/image-21.jpeg 2000w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bob’s President and CEO presents a donation in honor of the 11 heroes to members of <a href="https://www.uso.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">USO</a>, alongside Heroes at Home partner <a href="https://www.joegibbsracing.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Joe Gibbs Racing</a>. Photo courtesy: Joe Gibbs Racing.</figcaption></figure> </div> <p>We’re grateful to have such inspiring examples of service and kindness in the communities around our stores. Thank you to everyone who read, shared, or took part in the Heroes at Home series. We hope these stories remind you: every day, in big ways and small, we can all be heroes to someone.</p> <p></p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.mybobs.com/blog/heroes-at-home-celebrating-our-2025-spotlight-heroes-paying-it-forward/">Heroes at Home — Celebrating Our 2025 Spotlight Heroes & Paying It Forward</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.mybobs.com/blog">Bob's Blog</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Heroes at Home: Alistair Robertson</title> <link>https://www.mybobs.com/blog/heroes-at-home-alistair-robertson/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Randi Wojnilo]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2025 21:35:04 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Community Outreach]]></category> <category><![CDATA[bob's discount furniture]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Community Giving]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Give Back]]></category> <category><![CDATA[heroes]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Heroes at Home]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Joe Gibbs Racing]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mybobs.com/blog/?p=8560</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Alistair Robertson  Lives in Kingsburg, California Originally from Grand Cayman Islands and Hollywood, CA before moving to Kansas and eventually back to California Pediatric Oncology social worker at Valley Children’s Hospital in Madera, CA Alistair Robertson has spent his career doing heroic work as a social worker for kids and families dealing with cancer — […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.mybobs.com/blog/heroes-at-home-alistair-robertson/">Heroes at Home: Alistair Robertson</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.mybobs.com/blog">Bob's Blog</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"> <p><strong>Alistair Robertson </strong></p> <p><strong>Lives in Kingsburg, California</strong></p> <p><strong>Originally from Grand Cayman Islands and Hollywood, CA before moving to Kansas and eventually back to California</strong></p> <p><strong>Pediatric Oncology social worker at Valley Children’s Hospital in Madera, CA</strong></p> </blockquote> <p>Alistair Robertson has spent his career doing heroic work as a social worker for kids and families dealing with cancer — but if asked, he considers the kids he works with the true heroes.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What drew you to this kind of work? What do you enjoy most about your work or volunteer service?</strong></h2> <p>I really believe that we all have been blessed with gifts and talents — I’m just glad that I get to use my skills and talents to work with these amazing children and families. The biggest thing for me is that I get to be a part of helping to make a difference in their lives — to help empower them and get them to help themselves. I know that this interview is about honoring heroes — these kids are <em>my </em>honored heroes — I get to see the courage, strength and resilience that they have.</p> <p>I also enjoy working in a hospital alongside an amazing team of doctors, nurses, child life specialists, chaplains — the whole multidisciplinary team — we’re kind of a family. I’m really passionate about what I do. Before coming to [Valley Children’s] I worked in the pediatric social work department at a hospital in Wichita for 10 years, so I’ve been doing this [total] for 33 years. </p> <p>When you find your fit and your calling — it doesn’t become work. I look forward to helping families — it’s stressful, but invigorating.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Can you share a moment or experience that made you especially proud?</strong></h2> <p>There are several — one is that I served on the board of the National Association of Pediatric Oncology Social Workers (APOSW), and I was honored as Social Worker of the Year — I don’t take that for granted. I’m very proud of the recognition of the hard work, the passion, the inspiration, the mentoring. I love taking students. I take on social work students almost every year because I want to inspire the next generation of social workers and what they’re doing. </p> <p>Another proud moment for me is that we just started our survivorship scholarship program, which is a fund where we can provide our childhood cancer survivors a $1,000 scholarship. This is only our fourth year — the first year, we had 17 applicants who were all approved. The second year, we had 34 and all 34 got it, and this last year we had 71 applicants that all received the scholarship. What I’m most proud of is that we’re investing in lives — our motto at the hospital is, “futures worth fighting for.” I’m so proud that we have a program that is able to come alongside these survivors that are setting their career goals, their ambitions, their educational goals. </p> <p>It’s neat to see these survivors giving back to the community and back to the hospital. We have a lot of survivors that decide to go into the medical field — we have survivors who, because of the grant and scholarship, have gone on to get their nursing degree or work in rehab. We also have several survivors that have gone on to get their social work degree, so that’s a proud moment. </p> <p>The neat thing is the fund is supported by individuals and businesses in the community — so it really is [about] community engagement and involvement. It’s bigger than just us or our program, it’s a collective engagement. We have a ceremony where we invite the donors to come and see where their monies are going to impact the community, and we get to hand [survivors] the check and their families come. For some of these families, it’s the first time their child has ever gotten a scholarship because it’s not based off of GPA, it’s not a competitive thing — it’s based on filling out an essay on what it means to be a cancer survivor, and you pretty much get it. </p> <p>[The scholarship program] is an “ah-a” proud moment — it’s community engagement, it’s inspiring the future, it’s helping [the community] to give back. It’s a win, win, win situation.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What and/or who has influenced or inspired the way you serve others?</strong></h2> <p>I enjoy the challenge. It’s intense — sometimes we’re working with families where the outcome may not be what we would like it to be, where the child has died. But [it’s about] providing grief support and understanding that the loss of a child is just devastating, emotional support, counseling. What inspires me is that I get to be a part of this transformational journey — whether it’s survivorship or the loss of a child, it changes a family and community in amazing ways and devastating ways, but it never ceases to amaze me the resilience, the wisdom, the bravery, the courage, the never-give-up attitude that these children and families have as they battle their cancer diagnosis. It inspires me and teaches me a lot about life myself — I’m providing support to them, but they’re teaching me that it’s not the years in our lives that matter, it’s the life in the years or the days that we have that matter — so make every moment, make every day matter. It inspires me to make the most out of my day — I want to work as hard as I can and do as much as I can every day that I have breath in my lungs to make a difference in somebody else’s life. </p> <p>Additionally, my mother was a nurse and a big inspiration. Our father died when I was young and she raised me and my five other siblings all by herself. She worked hard and never remarried, and we saw the work that she put in — she inspired me and my siblings. My sister is a nurse, I have a brother who went into hospital administration, another brother who’s a physician’s assistant, and another brother who’s an orthopedic surgeon — they needed a social worker to round it out. We can open up our own clinic! And then of course I have to say my faith in Jesus [is an inspiration] — his example of servitude, of helping others, helping the sick, helping the poor, has influenced the work that I do. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What’s one thing you wish more people knew about the work you do or the people you serve?</strong></h2> <div class="wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile"><div class="wp-block-media-text__content"> <p>One thing I want people to know is that it is very challenging — there’s a lot that goes into it. It provides a tremendous amount of satisfaction learning and doing clinically challenging work in a demanding setting like a hospital. But I’m blessed to be part of a multidisciplinary team working with the families. I really do count it as a privilege to have the opportunity to work in a setting that makes a difference.</p> </div><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img decoding="async" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Alistair-Robertson-Social-Square-–-4-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8596 size-full" srcset="https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Alistair-Robertson-Social-Square-–-4-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Alistair-Robertson-Social-Square-–-4-300x300.jpg 300w, https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Alistair-Robertson-Social-Square-–-4-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Alistair-Robertson-Social-Square-–-4-768x768.jpg 768w, https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Alistair-Robertson-Social-Square-–-4-60x60.jpg 60w, https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Alistair-Robertson-Social-Square-–-4-360x360.jpg 360w, https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Alistair-Robertson-Social-Square-–-4.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If you could give one message of encouragement to your community, what would it be?</strong></h2> <p>There’s a favorite quote I like by Dr. Rachel Remen — she says that the capacity to bless life is in everybody. We bless the life around us far more often than we realize and these blessings strengthen the life within us and offer us a refuge from an indifferent world. I like [that quote] because it’s encouraging that we all could be a blessing to one another, even in ways that we may not even realize. </p> <p>I hear that from some of the kids or the families that come back to say, “You don’t realize the power of your words that helped us get through a very difficult time.” Sometimes we don’t realize it [in the moment] or don’t get appreciation or thanks. But we do make a difference, good or bad. It depends on where your heart is. </p> <p>I really believe we need a community that cares about each other, a community that reaches out and helps one another. And so that’s my encouragement — be that person, be a friend to other people. If you can’t find a friend, then be a friend to somebody. How do you make a friend? You make a friend by being a friend.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If you were a piece of furniture, what would you be — and why?</strong></h2> <p>I love all kinds of furniture! For me my favorite would have to be the dining room table — it reflects who I am. The dining room table is for meals with family — it’s coming together, it’s community, it’s fellowship, it’s laughter, it’s memories. [At the dining room table], we hear about each other’s days, our activities, our concerns. We play game nights at the dining room table. Sometimes my wife does puzzles during the holidays there. </p> <p>It’s also a time for special occasions, holidays, celebrations, birthdays, retirement — my wife just retired this year and she didn’t want to have [her party] at a restaurant or a venue, she wanted to have it at our house. So we had 60 people over, and the dining room table was the centerpiece of that. </p> <p>Our dining room table gets a lot of use — it’s something that the whole family can enjoy — it represents community, it represents engagement, it represents sharing.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Do you have any “core furniture memories”? (For example, a special chair only your dad sat in, or those famous plastic-covered couches!)</strong></h2> <p>We have an antique secretary desk in our entryway from my wife’s grandmother — it has sentimental value to it. My wife uses it to decorate for all the holidays and birthdays. I love it and it reminds us that furniture can be repurposed even though it still honors the past, and a little bit of the future of what’s to come for the holidays. We also use the drawers for all the tablecloths, napkins, and stuff like that — it’s functional, too. It isn’t just a piece of furniture that’s sitting there that you can admire, it’s functional, historical, and sentimental. It’s [a piece of furniture] that has good memories and keeps on living.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>In your opinion — what’s the <em>best</em> way to build a furniture fort?</strong></h2> <p>I remember building forts myself and have two sons and we like forts! It has to be in the living room. The sofa and the coffee table are part of the fort. Then you bring in the dining room chairs to help [hold up] a sheet over it and then you have to have lots of cushions and pillows inside. You can use a lamp stand to make it taller. If [you’re going to use it at nighttime] you have to have flashlights and snacks, and tell scary or silly stories. Maybe put a sign outside of the fort saying “kids only” or “do not enter, beware.” My memories are of listening to the kids’ stories [outside the fort]. This was 25 years ago — in this day and age, it’s a little bit more high-tech. But these were the forts I had back in my day and with my sons — [I have] a lot of good memories from [building] forts.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.mybobs.com/blog/heroes-at-home-alistair-robertson/">Heroes at Home: Alistair Robertson</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.mybobs.com/blog">Bob's Blog</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Heroes at Home: Jonathan Tilley</title> <link>https://www.mybobs.com/blog/heroes-at-home-jonathan-tilley/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Admin]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2025 00:08:01 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Community Outreach]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Community Giving]]></category> <category><![CDATA[featured]]></category> <category><![CDATA[heroes]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Heroes at Home]]></category> <category><![CDATA[JGR]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Joe Gibbs Racing]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mybobs.com/blog/?p=8513</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Jonathan TilleyRinggold, VAEMT for the Halifax County Rescue SquadEmergency Services EducatorEMT for Virginia International RacewayVolunteers Firefighter and EMT, Ringgold Volunteer Fire Department While we all have 24 hours in a day, Jonathan Tilley spends most of them in service of others — both working and volunteering as an EMT, emergency services educator, and firefighter for […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.mybobs.com/blog/heroes-at-home-jonathan-tilley/">Heroes at Home: Jonathan Tilley</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.mybobs.com/blog">Bob's Blog</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><strong>Jonathan Tilley<br>Ringgold, VA<br>EMT for the Halifax County Rescue Squad<br>Emergency Services Educator<br>EMT for Virginia International Raceway<br>Volunteers Firefighter and EMT, Ringgold Volunteer Fire Department</strong></p> <p>While we all have 24 hours in a day, Jonathan Tilley spends most of them in service of others — both working and volunteering as an EMT, emergency services educator, and firefighter for his community.</p> <p>Jonathan started his EMT career at just 16 years old as a volunteer in a junior membership program. He landed his first paid gig in 2013 but never gave up volunteering. In fact, Jonathan volunteers 96 hours a month, making him a true hero!</p> <figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex"> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" width="360" height="480" data-id="8517" src="https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1000011008.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8517" srcset="https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1000011008.jpg 360w, https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1000011008-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="(max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px" /></figure> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="575" height="1024" data-id="8519" src="https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1000019594-1-575x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8519" srcset="https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1000019594-1-575x1024.jpg 575w, https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1000019594-1-168x300.jpg 168w, https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1000019594-1-768x1368.jpg 768w, https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1000019594-1-862x1536.jpg 862w, https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1000019594-1-1150x2048.jpg 1150w, https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1000019594-1-scaled.jpg 1437w" sizes="(max-width: 575px) 100vw, 575px" /></figure> </figure> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What drew you to this kind of work? What do you enjoy most about your work or volunteer service? </strong></h2> <p>No two days are the same — and it’s rewarding getting to help people at what may possibly be their worst time of need. The opportunity to teach and instruct others [in emergency service skills] has [also] been absolutely amazing. The field is always advancing — there’s always new protocols, and the CPR organization, the American Heart Organization, is always putting out new continuing education and ways to do life-saving interventions. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Can you share a moment or experience that made you especially proud?</strong> </h2> <p> Early recognition is in everything I do. There are activations we can make as a provider that sometimes truly make a difference in the life-saving interventions that a patient will receive. These two activations are called stroke activation and myocardial infarction activation, when a patient is either suffering from a neurological emergency like a stroke or suffering a severe heart attack — the sooner we realize those symptoms, the sooner we make those activations and then transport patients to a higher care facility or helicopter them to a higher care facility. I’ve had [to make] several activations over the years — two in the last month, one stroke and one myocardial fraction activation — and those make me especially proud, especially in hearing the final outcome of the patient. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What and/or who has influenced or inspired the way you serve others?</strong> </h2> <p>I’ve got four children [my] two 13-year-old girls have expressed interest in coming to the squad and learning what the equipment is and what life-saving measures they provide a patient. I’ve brought them along to wash trucks with me or clean up the station or help with fundraisers, and they love being at the rescue squad e — I see both girls getting involved in the field in the near future, and that inspires me more than anything, knowing that they have such a bright, promising future in this if they decide to pursue it. </p> <p>Additionally, my late father, who was a truck driver for the Pepsi Cola Company, actively volunteered for an organization in this county called God’s Pit Crew — they provide disaster relief [in the case of] major storms, earthquakes, hurricanes and things like that. My dad had all kinds of trophies [when I was] growing up — [things like] ‘Most Miles Driven’ because he had his CDL [license]. He drove supplies to these disaster relief areas. Seeing him drive as a volunteer outside of work really inspired me.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Hero-Bio-Social-ΓCo-18-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8520" srcset="https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Hero-Bio-Social-ΓCo-18-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Hero-Bio-Social-ΓCo-18-300x300.jpg 300w, https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Hero-Bio-Social-ΓCo-18-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Hero-Bio-Social-ΓCo-18-768x768.jpg 768w, https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Hero-Bio-Social-ΓCo-18-60x60.jpg 60w, https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Hero-Bio-Social-ΓCo-18-360x360.jpg 360w, https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Hero-Bio-Social-ΓCo-18.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What’s one thing you wish more people knew about the work you do or the people you serve?</strong> </h2> <p>I spend a lot of time away from home and away from my family, so that definitely makes it hard.</p> <p>[I would also say that I wish people knew] the risk that we take on a day-to-day basis when we get in these ambulances and/or fire trucks. We may not know what we’re responding to at the time, and it’s dangerous to be responding to those emergencies. I just ask that everybody slow down and move over for lights and sirens, please. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If you could give one message of encouragement to your community, what would it be?</strong></h2> <p>Love one another. In this day and age, there’s so much hate and crime, and you don’t know what somebody else is going through — so love one another. </p> <p>Also, volunteers are needed — we’re in short supply. Visit your local fire departments, your rescue squads and ask them if they need anything. Even if you know blood and gore is not your thing, maybe you can help out for a benefit or fundraiser or something like that — so definitely stop into your local organizations and inquire about how you can help out today. </p> <p>Recognition in emergencies can be pivotal — a patient can be considered braindead after six minutes without oxygen and with the time we’re dispatched until we can respond, six minutes can be gone really quickly — so starting CPR and life-saving first aid really helps us along the way. Ask your school or local fire squad if they offer CPR — get in a CPR class if nothing else. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If you were a piece of furniture, what would you be — and why? </strong></h2> <p>I would want to be a recliner — because how can you be sad when you’re in a recliner? I aspire daily to bring that kind of joy in other people’s lives. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Do you have any “core furniture memories”? </strong></h2> <p>It’s a piece of furniture that I inherited from my late father’s passing in 2021. There was a couch in my father’s living room that I took and made a memorial room for him and other deceased relatives — I’ve got a bunch of his trophies displayed over the years there, and sometimes I’ll lay on that couch and reflect on his accomplishments and it comforts me in the moment. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>In your opinion — what’s the <em>best</em> way to build a furniture fort? </strong></h2> <p>You’ve got to have stability — you can lay cushions on top of cardboard so it doesn’t cave in. Growing up me and my younger brother built forts out of cardboard — but yes, I would say you’ve got to have stability. </p> <p></p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.mybobs.com/blog/heroes-at-home-jonathan-tilley/">Heroes at Home: Jonathan Tilley</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.mybobs.com/blog">Bob's Blog</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Heroes at Home: Daniel Norris</title> <link>https://www.mybobs.com/blog/heroes-at-home-daniel-norris/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Admin]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sat, 08 Nov 2025 00:15:52 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Community Outreach]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category> <category><![CDATA[bob's discount furniture]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Community Giving]]></category> <category><![CDATA[featured]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Hero]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Heroes at Home]]></category> <category><![CDATA[JGR]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Joe Gibbs Racing]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Outreach]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mybobs.com/blog/?p=8508</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Daniel Norris St. Mary’s County, MDMarine Corps Combat Veteran Door Dash Driver, working to become an EMS DispatcherMission 22, Co-Leader and Volunteer Foundation 4 Heroes, Volunteer A Marine Corps veteran, Daniel Norris is also a veteran volunteer — dedicating his post-service time to advocating for mental health, driving ambulances, supporting children in need, and engaging with his […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.mybobs.com/blog/heroes-at-home-daniel-norris/">Heroes at Home: Daniel Norris</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.mybobs.com/blog">Bob's Blog</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><strong>Daniel Norris <br>St. Mary’s County, MD</strong><br><strong>Marine Corps Combat Veteran </strong><br><strong>Door Dash Driver, working to become an EMS Dispatcher</strong><br><strong>Mission 22, Co-Leader and Volunteer </strong><br><strong>Foundation 4 Heroes, Volunteer <br><br></strong>A Marine Corps veteran, Daniel Norris is also a veteran volunteer — dedicating his post-service time to advocating for mental health, driving ambulances, supporting children in need, and engaging with his church community.</p> <p>Daniel currently serves as the Maryland co-leader of Mission 22, which is an organization dedicated to preventing veteran suicide by providing comprehensive wellness programs to veterans and their families. </p> <p>Personally touched by mental health issues, Daniel feels compelled to champion the work of Mission 22. Daniel was also a longtime EMS volunteer and is now retired. He is currently working to become an EMS dispatcher. </p> <p>Additionally, Daniel volunteers for Foundation 4 Heroes, which is a nonprofit that visits hospitalized children as costumed superheroes and teaches children about being a hero and supports veterans. </p> <p>Daniel is also active as an AWANA game leader at his church. </p> <figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex"> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="713" height="1024" data-id="8511" src="https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/3cbe3543-af09-4ae9-b5e6-d049357cd957-1_all_17861_crop-713x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8511" srcset="https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/3cbe3543-af09-4ae9-b5e6-d049357cd957-1_all_17861_crop-713x1024.jpg 713w, https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/3cbe3543-af09-4ae9-b5e6-d049357cd957-1_all_17861_crop-209x300.jpg 209w, https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/3cbe3543-af09-4ae9-b5e6-d049357cd957-1_all_17861_crop-768x1104.jpg 768w, https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/3cbe3543-af09-4ae9-b5e6-d049357cd957-1_all_17861_crop.jpg 961w" sizes="(max-width: 713px) 100vw, 713px" /></figure> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="768" height="1024" data-id="8510" src="https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1000052323-768x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8510" srcset="https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1000052323-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1000052323-225x300.jpg 225w, https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1000052323-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1000052323-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1000052323-scaled.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure> </figure> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What drew you to this kind of work? What do you enjoy most about your work or volunteer service? </strong></h2> <p>I’ve always had a lot of respect for first responders and veterans, ever since I was a little kid. To be a veteran now and see what veterans go through behind closed doors, and to be [volunteering] with Mission 22 and Foundation for Heroes — I don’t even know if there are words to describe how it makes me feel to be a part of it all. </p> <p>[With Awana], I coordinate group meetups and game nights for kids — I love every second of it because I’ve noticed at times there are kiddos who won’t want to participate in certain games, but the second they see me get involved in the game, they’re in it in a heartbeat. I melt every time I get to see that and hear all the laughter, hear the kids telling their parents [about the meetup]. I love every second of it. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Can you share a moment or experience that made you especially proud?</strong> </h2> <p>When I was a [volunteer] ambulance driver, we were responding to an overdose call, and we come to find out it’s someone I pretty much grew up with — and I’m immediately like, ‘Look you’re in great hands, I’m your driver tonight and we’re getting you there in a hurry and safely — I’ve got that under control, don’t you worry, these people are great EMTs, I would trust them with my life.’ Later, I encountered [the patient]— and [the patient] came up to me and was like, ‘Thank you for that night, you did everything you could to keep me calm, and I’m now sober.’</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What and/or who has influenced or inspired the way you serve others?</strong> </h2> <p>It’s not always easy — I’ve struggled with suicidal thoughts and severe depression. Getting out there, sharing the word, whether it be my religion or Mission 22 or Foundation for Heroes — all of those things help me get through, every single day. I love to tell people these things are my ‘why’. </p> <p>[Additionally], every veteran I’ve ever encountered in my lifetime has inspired me.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What’s one thing you wish more people knew about the work you do or the people you serve?</strong> </h2> <p>It’s not always easy to volunteer — it’s not always enjoyable. But in my opinion, volunteers are what make this country great. We wouldn’t have these organizations without volunteers. I don’t think a lot of people understand that a lot of these organizations only have money because of donations, which barely cover the equipment, travel, lodging, and so forth. A lot of people don’t want to volunteer in our society anymore — and that’s putting a big time burden on everyone. </p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Hero-Bio-Social-ΓCo-15-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8512" srcset="https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Hero-Bio-Social-ΓCo-15-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Hero-Bio-Social-ΓCo-15-300x300.jpg 300w, https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Hero-Bio-Social-ΓCo-15-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Hero-Bio-Social-ΓCo-15-768x768.jpg 768w, https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Hero-Bio-Social-ΓCo-15-60x60.jpg 60w, https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Hero-Bio-Social-ΓCo-15-360x360.jpg 360w, https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Hero-Bio-Social-ΓCo-15.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If you could give one message of encouragement to your community, what would it be?</strong></h2> <p>I love to tell people to carry on, because it’s short and sweet. For me, that means to keep fighting whatever I’m facing daily. I fight my demons every single day — whether it’s PTSD, ADHD, depression, anxiety, what have you — I have to fight them every single day.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Do you have any “core furniture memories”? </strong></h2> <p>My parents had a recliner, and when I was growing up, I loved to come barreling out of my bedroom down the hallway and dive head-first into the recliner. </p> <p></p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.mybobs.com/blog/heroes-at-home-daniel-norris/">Heroes at Home: Daniel Norris</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.mybobs.com/blog">Bob's Blog</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Heroes at Home: Kelsey Carter</title> <link>https://www.mybobs.com/blog/heroes-at-home-kelsey-carter/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Randi Wojnilo]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 05 Nov 2025 14:46:08 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Community Outreach]]></category> <category><![CDATA[bob's discount furniture]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Community Giving]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Giving Back]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Heores]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Heroes at Home]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Joe Gibbs Racing]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mybobs.com/blog/?p=8485</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Kelsey CarterLives in San Angelo, TX Originally from Sedalia, MO  Works as a vascular access and ER nurse at Shannon Medical Center, was also a former volunteer firefighter Kelsey Carter is in the business of saving lives — as a current ER nurse and former volunteer firefighter, she thrives under pressure and is thoroughly committed […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.mybobs.com/blog/heroes-at-home-kelsey-carter/">Heroes at Home: Kelsey Carter</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.mybobs.com/blog">Bob's Blog</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"> <p><strong>Kelsey Carter</strong><strong><br></strong><strong>Lives in San Angelo, TX</strong></p> <p><strong>Originally from Sedalia, MO </strong></p> <p><strong>Works as a vascular access and ER nurse at Shannon Medical Center, was also a former volunteer firefighter</strong></p> </blockquote> <p>Kelsey Carter is in the business of saving lives — as a current ER nurse and former volunteer firefighter, she thrives under pressure and is thoroughly committed to helping her community.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What drew you to this kind of work? What do you enjoy most about your work or volunteer service?</strong></h2> <p>I think the biggest thing is being there for others in their time of need and in their worst moments. I also love being part of a team — we’re very team-oriented and rely on each other to help with patients or gain knowledge. It’s really about being part of something bigger than myself. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Can you share a moment or experience that made you especially proud?</strong></h2> <div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="576" height="1024" src="https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Kelsey-Carter-2-Social-Stories-–-2-576x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8487 size-full" srcset="https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Kelsey-Carter-2-Social-Stories-–-2-576x1024.jpg 576w, https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Kelsey-Carter-2-Social-Stories-–-2-169x300.jpg 169w, https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Kelsey-Carter-2-Social-Stories-–-2-768x1365.jpg 768w, https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Kelsey-Carter-2-Social-Stories-–-2-864x1536.jpg 864w, https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Kelsey-Carter-2-Social-Stories-–-2.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content"> <p>After I graduated from nursing school, I worked at a level one trauma center in Kansas City. We had a patient come in with a gunshot wound to the chest who ended up losing his heartbeat and we had to do CPR and major surgery on him in the ER before transferring him to the OR, once we got him stable enough. Three weeks later, he came back to the ER to thank us — to be a part of the team that saved his life was the coolest experience I’ve had as a nurse.</p> </div></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What and/or who has influenced or inspired the way you serve others?</strong></h2> <p>My dad is a huge part of what inspires me to give back. He has been in the volunteer fire department for over 30 years and is now the chief of the department — he and my mom, who’s on the board for the local food pantry in my hometown, have instilled in me that it’s really important to give back to your community. </p> <p>My dad [and the volunteer firefighters] raise money to help other firefighters who have medical problems — every Christmas they dress up as Santa and the Grinch and go around to different neighborhoods, and last year they teamed up with my mom’s food pantry and encouraged the community to donate food [as well]. They were able to donate 1,600 pounds of food last year.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What’s one thing you wish more people knew about the work you do or the people you serve?</strong></h2> <p>I think the biggest thing is that we are humans and have feelings, too — in a patient’s time of need or when a family has lost [their] patient, we have to compartmentalize to carry on with our work day or to help the next patient. </p> <p>I think it’s important to note that a lot of situations stick with us for months or years to come and that goes for a lot of people too.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If you could give one message of encouragement to your community, what would it be?</strong></h2> <p>We need to support each other and go back to the old days where we were neighborly and kind to each other. The town I live in now was affected by the [Central Texas] floods this July, and that showed how well the community came together — it’s just unfortunate that we come together in times of disaster, and it would be great to see us continue to do that every single day.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If you were a piece of furniture, what would you be — and why?</strong></h2> <p>I would be a bed because I’m a night shift nurse — I love to sleep, and especially now that I’m pregnant, sleeping has become my favorite activity. That’s where my husband and I talk about our days, and he talks to the baby every single morning — it’s been a great memory maker.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Do you have any “core furniture memories”? (For example, a special chair only your dad sat in, or those famous plastic-covered couches!)</strong></h2> <p>For me, it would have to be the dining room table — my parents were pretty old-fashioned and no matter how hectic our schedules were with sports or school, they always made it a point for us to sit down and eat together as a way of connecting and sharing — phones weren’t allowed. And even to this day, where we’ve grown up and we have families of our own — when we go back and visit, it’s very much a point that we all sit together for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. My husband and I have carried that dinner tradition on in our house — no phone, no TV — it’s about connecting.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>In your opinion — what’s the <em>best</em> way to build a furniture fort?</strong></h2> <p>We always used tall chairs and one of my mom and dad’s king size comforters [to build the fort] and put it up against the couch and put comforters and pillows on the floor!</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.mybobs.com/blog/heroes-at-home-kelsey-carter/">Heroes at Home: Kelsey Carter</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.mybobs.com/blog">Bob's Blog</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Heroes at Home: Dee Strauss</title> <link>https://www.mybobs.com/blog/heroes-at-home-dee-strauss/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Randi Wojnilo]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 04 Nov 2025 19:56:16 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Community Outreach]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Community Giving]]></category> <category><![CDATA[featured]]></category> <category><![CDATA[heroes]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Heroes at Home]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mybobs.com/blog/?p=8481</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Lives in King George, VA Originally from King George, VA Works as a teacher and DECA Chapter advisor for King George County Schools (King George County High School) Dee Strauss doesn’t just teach marketing — she teaches local teens life lessons and the importance of social responsibility through her community organizing and volunteer work in […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.mybobs.com/blog/heroes-at-home-dee-strauss/">Heroes at Home: Dee Strauss</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.mybobs.com/blog">Bob's Blog</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"> <p><strong>Lives in King George, VA</strong></p> <p><strong>Originally from King George, VA</strong></p> <p><strong>Works as a teacher and DECA Chapter advisor for King George County Schools (King George County High School)</strong></p> </blockquote> <p>Dee Strauss doesn’t just teach marketing — she teaches local teens life lessons and the importance of social responsibility through her community organizing and volunteer work in King George, Virginia.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What drew you to this kind of work? What do you enjoy most about your work or volunteer service?</strong></h2> <p>I have a degree in marketing management from Virginia Tech. I did not go to school to be a teacher — I went to school to make money!</p> <p>[Marketing] was my career in a variety of settings for a long period of time — but at 40 I said, “Well, what’s next?”. I now teach marketing, entrepreneurship, and economics and personal finance classes at King George High School and I’m also the DECA Chapter [an organization preparing emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management in high school and colleges around the world] advisor here. I started the chapter here during my second year teaching and we’re celebrating our 25th anniversary this year. </p> <p>Our DECA Chapter is very engaged in community service — we work with social services here and collect food, gifts, and other things like that for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I guide this to help students embrace social responsibility, and I try to model that for the students with my volunteer work at the fall festival we have here in King George and through my volunteer work at our local thrift shop, The Opp Shop. </p> <p>Since 2003, I have been on the volunteer committee of the King George Fall Festival — it’s not run by the town or the county, it’s entirely run by a group of volunteers and has a parade, craft fair, vendor fair, free rides and games and a petting zoo. I got thrown into [leading] by one of the matriarchs of King George — she pulled me aside and said, “You’re going to do the BBQ that we always have at the fall festival, and your students are going to help and they’re going to be part of this,” — so we did that for quite a few years. I also solicit and manage for food trucks to come [with the help of] the student body. I’m usually at the festival from 6:15am and I’m the last to leave.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Can you share a moment or experience that made you especially proud?</strong></h2> <div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="576" height="1024" src="https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Dee-Strauss-3-Social-Stories-576x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8483 size-full" srcset="https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Dee-Strauss-3-Social-Stories-576x1024.jpg 576w, https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Dee-Strauss-3-Social-Stories-169x300.jpg 169w, https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Dee-Strauss-3-Social-Stories-768x1365.jpg 768w, https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Dee-Strauss-3-Social-Stories-864x1536.jpg 864w, https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Dee-Strauss-3-Social-Stories.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content"> <p>The Opp Shop is a thrift store run by one of the Episcopal churches — I’m on the board and I work as a cashier every Wednesday. It’s all volunteer-run and the money that’s made goes back into the community — it supports so many people [through both monetary donations and supplies]. If people are burned out of their home, if people are homeless, they can get anything they need, no charge. If there’s an emergency situation — there was a baby born [in the community] prematurely who needed money for medical assistance, and we jumped in and sent money there. One of the other churches in a neighboring county, a very historic church, burned to the ground — we’ve sent them [funds] since the church burned down. Being a part of the ministry is really, really fulfilling — and the [high school] kids know I work there, so they come and shop and I have some kids that volunteer as well. </p> <p>We all feel good when we do things like that — but I want everybody to feel that good, so I want to share that with the kids.</p> </div></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What and/or who has influenced or inspired the way you serve others?</strong></h2> <p>I think that there have been a lot of moments that have spurred me to this kind of action — when I was in college, I volunteered for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America — that was a really wonderful experience, and I was on their board for several years and worked in fundraising. </p> <p>I also think we all go through ups and downs in our lives [that inspire us to give back]. My husband and I experienced that after we had our first child — I had quit work and we sold my car, so we were a one-vehicle, one-income family and we were in a tough financial situation — it was really tight. We sold our house and moved back to King George, and fortunately the support from family was very important — and I also look at the community up here in King George as family. When I got my job as a teacher, I went to the Opp Shop to buy my clothes. We got through all of it, but we know there’s so many people around us that go through a tough time, so we want to be able to ease things as well.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What’s one thing you wish more people knew about the work you do or the people you serve?</strong></h2> <div class="wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-center"><div class="wp-block-media-text__content"> <p>I would like the public to know how hard working our teenagers are — I think they get some bum raps every once in a while, but I feel that working with teens every day and watching what they can do is amazing. When I see these kids stepping up and taking care of things and putting together events where they’re not getting anything out of it — these teenagers are going to take care of the world. There are some really brilliant young people who have huge hearts.</p> </div><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="576" height="1024" src="https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Dee-Strauss-4-Social-Stories-576x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8484 size-full" srcset="https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Dee-Strauss-4-Social-Stories-576x1024.jpg 576w, https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Dee-Strauss-4-Social-Stories-169x300.jpg 169w, https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Dee-Strauss-4-Social-Stories-768x1365.jpg 768w, https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Dee-Strauss-4-Social-Stories-864x1536.jpg 864w, https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Dee-Strauss-4-Social-Stories.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px" /></figure></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If you were a piece of furniture, what would you be — and why?</strong></h2> <p>I would be a round chair with a big round ottoman that two to three people can sit on, so that when my grand nieces and nephews come over, I can sit in the chair with them and read a book or talk. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Do you have any “core furniture memories”? (For example, a special chair only your dad sat in, or those famous plastic-covered couches!)</strong></h2> <p>When I was born, my mother and father lived in Fredericksburg and the family they bought the house from left this walnut and cane upholstered living room furniture. When we moved to King George and my dad built the house on the family farm, I remember that that furniture [made the trip]. When my dad passed away, my siblings and I got to pick what they wanted from the house, and I wanted the couch, rocker, and chair. I did get the furniture reupholstered a few years ago — and it’s just something I have a lot of memories from.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>In your opinion — what’s the <em>best</em> way to build a furniture fort?</strong></h2> <p>First, you take two high-backed chairs. Then, you’re going to take a good blanket and put it over the backs of the chairs and anchor it down underneath the legs of the chairs. Then, you’re going to take cushions from every single piece of furniture you can find and you’re going to build your wall out — you might need three chairs for a triangle and four for a rectangle. Then you’ve got cushions for walls, and you can take your favorite pillows and put them inside. </p> <p>And then, you’re going to get some popcorn and water (‘cause you can’t have sugary drinks!) and sit in there and talk and read and laugh.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.mybobs.com/blog/heroes-at-home-dee-strauss/">Heroes at Home: Dee Strauss</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.mybobs.com/blog">Bob's Blog</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Heroes at Home: Amanda Smith</title> <link>https://www.mybobs.com/blog/heroes-at-home-amanda-smith/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Randi Wojnilo]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 31 Oct 2025 16:04:22 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Community Outreach]]></category> <category><![CDATA[bob's discount furniture]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Community Giving]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Giving Back]]></category> <category><![CDATA[heroes]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Heroes at Home]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Joe Gibbs Racing]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.mybobs.com/blog/?p=8466</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Amanda SmithLives in East Hartford, CT  Originally from East Hartford, CT  Works as a licensed professional counselor and mobile crisis clinician at the Middletown Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Founder of non-profit Game Changers Basketball Inc. Amanda Smith changes lives — on and off the court. As a licensed counselor and founder of […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.mybobs.com/blog/heroes-at-home-amanda-smith/">Heroes at Home: Amanda Smith</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.mybobs.com/blog">Bob's Blog</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"> <p><strong>Amanda Smith</strong><strong><br></strong><strong>Lives in East Hartford, CT </strong></p> <p><strong>Originally from East Hartford, CT </strong></p> <p><strong>Works as a licensed professional counselor and mobile crisis clinician at the Middletown Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services</strong></p> <p><strong>Founder of non-profit Game Changers Basketball Inc.</strong></p> </blockquote> <p>Amanda Smith changes lives — on and off the court. As a licensed counselor and founder of youth non-profit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576599691281"><strong>Game Changers Basketball Inc.</strong></a>, Amanda supports Connecticut families with both their mental and physical wellness. Click here to read more.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What drew you to this kind of work? What do you enjoy most about your work or volunteer service? </strong></h2> <p>I struggled as a teen. I had a split home, and I grew up around a lot of people who had mental health problems and substance abuse disorders that they were using to treat their mental health problems. So I always knew that was something I wanted to know more about and [learn] how I could help. And with [my job at crisis hotline 988], I actually lost a sister a few years ago to suicide, so that’s what drove me to that position — it opened up almost right after that happened. It was like it was meant for me. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Can you share a moment or experience that made you especially proud?</strong> </h2> <p>One of the things I’ve been doing for about five years is called <strong>Panda Village </strong>which started because there was a need [for support] outside of the community agencies I worked for. I rallied together people in my community and we’ve been doing [programming to support] adoptive families and holiday programs around this time of year. I love doing it because it’s [about] serving others and us coming together to do that — that’s what it’s all about. </p> <p>And then the non-profit I started, Game Changers Basketball Inc., is a weekly park meet-up program to help youth and their families —our goal is to reach families, not just with basketball, but [with] wellness programs, and then ultimately have a community center that offers a food pantry, clothing closet, free classes, free wellness groups, [and other] things like that for the families to connect to. Our motto is Be the Change.</p> <p>Growing up, my grandfather and my dad always took me to UConn games, and then I coached rec ball for a while. I have nieces and nephews who still play and now, I wanted to get back into it because my son is 4 and he’s almost of age to get into the rec groups — and that’s what I wanted to offer other kids too.</p> <p>Every year, especially around this time of year, we are able to take on more and more families — I’m proud to see everybody come together and [proud of] the ability that I have to draw people into this to help us, and have families that are no longer in a place where they need help come back and pay it forward. I’m really proud of the work that we do.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What inspires you to keep giving back, even when life gets hectic?</strong></h2> <p>When I’m giving back to others who need that support, I forget about my problems — because there are so many people who have it worse. Being able to provide a resource and a form of hope to others keeps me going — it provides a lot of energy.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Who has influenced or inspired the way you serve others?</strong> </h2> <div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="576" height="1024" src="https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Amanda-Smith-2-Social-Stories-–-1-1-576x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8470 size-full" srcset="https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Amanda-Smith-2-Social-Stories-–-1-1-576x1024.jpg 576w, https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Amanda-Smith-2-Social-Stories-–-1-1-169x300.jpg 169w, https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Amanda-Smith-2-Social-Stories-–-1-1-768x1365.jpg 768w, https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Amanda-Smith-2-Social-Stories-–-1-1-864x1536.jpg 864w, https://www.mybobs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Amanda-Smith-2-Social-Stories-–-1-1.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content"> <p>My family has always been really good about helping others no matter the circumstances — they’ve always pushed me to do what I can within my ability. I have a grandmother who’s the volunteer coordinator of the Manchester Road Race — she’s been doing that for 45 years now and I’ve been a part of it for 25 years. It’s a pretty cool experience to watch her continue to do that at 86 years old.</p> </div></div> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What’s one thing you wish more people knew about the work you do or the people you serve?</strong> </h2> <p>A lot of times the people we serve are either homeless or in a [bad] financial situation because let’s face it, our economy is not great. I always say to others, try not to judge, [because] we can all be one choice or one [event] from being fired or laid off — no one chooses to struggle, especially our youth. There are so many families that need to be connected to the right support [system] and resources, and we overlook the fact that there’s always something that we can do — whether it’s to bring [them] a meal, or offer them a number to a place that can provide that in some shape or form.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If you could give one message of encouragement to your community, what would it be? </strong></h2> <p>Kindness goes a long way — every small act can have a huge ripple effect. It all goes back to that. We can all do something — even the smallest act will project onto the greater good.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>If you were a piece of furniture, what would you be — and why? </strong></h2> <p><br>A recliner — because who doesn’t love recliners? They’re the foundation of a living room, especially in my family.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Do you have any “core furniture memories”? </strong></h2> <p><strong>(For example, a special chair only your dad sat in, or those famous plastic-covered couches!) </strong></p> <p>Going back to that recliner, my grandfather had that one chair he [always] sat in in the living room. We all gathered around him in that chair, and unless he wasn’t home, everybody knew not to sit in that chair. Now, my dad has one at his house and it’s fancy — it’s upgraded with a remote and everything. My son tries to take it over, but these grandparents are different — they just let them! These grandparents are little doormats.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>In your opinion — what’s the </strong><strong><em>best</em></strong><strong> way to build a furniture fort? </strong></h2> <p>Coming from a large sibling group, [we’ve made a lot] of forts inside and outside. The inside ones were usually [built from] the couches that we had there and we would move them in a way where we could drape blankets across it and then put the cushions on the outside so as to not grant entry if you didn’t have the password! </p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.mybobs.com/blog/heroes-at-home-amanda-smith/">Heroes at Home: Amanda Smith</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.mybobs.com/blog">Bob's Blog</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> </channel> </rss>