Hand Raisers and Game Changers: 100 Heroes Week 10
“I’ve lived in multiple places, and the ability to make an impact in Indianapolis is what makes this city special,” said Charles McKinney, one of this week's 100 Heroes. The Heroes below prove you can make a huge impact in Central Indiana by devoting yourself to a cause and using your talents, passion and resources to support it. To see all of the stories of United Way’s 100 Heroes, look here.
Linda Znachko
For the past eight years, Linda Znachko has dedicated her life to making sure every child in Central Indiana has a name in life and dignity in death. Through He Knows Your Name ministries, Znachko provides headstones, burial services and bereavement services to abandoned babies and families that are unable to afford the costs of a funeral. Read her story
Charles McKinney Jr.
If Charles McKinney didn’t live in Indianapolis, he might not have been able to make such a big impact. “I’ve lived in multiple places, and the ability to make an impact in Indianapolis is what makes this city special,” said McKinney. “If you have a topic you’re passionate about, being connected to the right people is not an issue here.” Read his story
Eva Kor
Resilient. Empathetic. Endearing. There are many words to describe Eva Kor’s engaging personality, but one rises to the top – forgiving. As a Holocaust survivor, her story is both haunting and captivating. Read her story
Pedro Jimenez
In 2005, Pedro Jimenez answered a random phone call for help. The Lions Club from Spain contacted him and asked him to be a support system for a Spanish family with a young, four-year old girl coming to the U.S. for treatment at Riley Children’s Hospital. Read his story
Barbara Y. Howard
Barbara Y. Howard believes that “you have to care for your community. You have to volunteer, you have to become involved.” Community service is ingrained in Howard’s soul, thanks to her mother and a simple request to help a neighbor in need. Read her story
Mike Corbett
Spending just 30 minutes with Mike Corbett, you begin to wonder if he has found the secret to more than 24 hours in a day. After all, how else would this Hamilton County businessman be able to volunteer with multiple organizations, sit on a handful of local boards, be a devoted family-man and run for mayor twice? Read his story
Valerie Davis
If you ask Valerie Davis how she discovered community service, prepare for a swift and direct reply. “It discovered me! When I became homeless and I had to seek social services…I realized then, this is what I am here for. Since I got pulled up, I am trying to help pull others up, too.” Read her story