The Very Rev. Paul Carlson told Rauh that if she wanted to feed the hungry, then there’s no place like home to start. Carlson was the pastor at St. Patrick Catholic Church, where Rauh is an active member, and people in need regularly knocked on the door seeking food donations.

Bob and Janet Palkion of Joliet have fostered more than 30 children, adopted three of those fosters and serve the foster community in multiple ways, despite their own health challenges.

We hope the stories in this special edition serve as a reminder that heroism doesn’t have to be extraordinary to matter.

A nonprofit CEO who never sits behind his desk. A school board member who makes sure every voice is heard. A retiree who filled Joliet with Little Free Libraries. Meet the Herald News 2026 Everyday Heroes nominated by our readers.

Susan Tyrrell’s teacher voice still is loud and clear when she’s working with fifth grade students at Teen Turf in Amboy.

When people comment to Beth Saffell about what the Jefferson/Lincoln PTO is doing or not doing, Saffell sees an opportunity.

Jennifer Mobley, co-founder of “Big Hearts of Fox Valley” with her husband Minor, said she’s witnessed first-hand the power of a community coming together. Her nonprofit unites the police and fire department, schools and volunteers to help St. Charles D303 students in need.

When Roger Wittenauer sat down to chat with firefighters from the Amboy and Sublette fire departments at an Amboy Fire Department Depot Days breakfast a few years ago, he mentioned he missed the fire service.

For Seneca High School Resource Officer (SRO) Ken Sangston, there is one clear cut responsibility that is above all others in his position.