Katherine ‘Kitty’ Karr has been organizing “Strike Out Cancer,” a bowling benefit, for six years now.

Lindy Anderson always has loved animals in general and cats in particular. When she noticed stray cats in her Savannah, Missouri, neighborhood shivering through the winter months, she knew she had to do something.

Throughout their 68-year marriage, a love of Christ and dedication to growing through fellowship has strengthened Harvey and Jean Gayle Parker’s relationship.

Dee Ann Heck’s servant heart has made a tremendous impact in the Mound City, Missouri, community, and sometimes beyond.

Two years ago, Brad Derr gathered unwanted coats from his own closet, his family and his Facebook friends and donated them to the homeless. Now, he leads an organization called Help the Homeless of Northwest Missouri and continues to expand his mission.

Lute Atieh is using his pilot’s license to teach children.

Gus the kitten likes to chew on Rich Claycomb’s hand.

For almost 30 years, Rachel Gunderson has used her free time to serve those in need around the globe. From an orphanage in Ecuador to a refugee camp in Bangladesh, the nurse practitioner has followed what she believes is her divine calling, to help the global community with medical needs whi…

Tabitha Samuelson, an in-home caregiver with ResCare Homecare, never expected so much attention for “just doing her job.”

Brandee Davison believes she has more to offer the world — namely its children —besides being a stay-at-home mom.

As a man of faith, Bob Wollenman says it’s in his Christian blood to give back to the community that has provided him with so many opportunities.

Ryan Hildebrand looks to a popular Christmas program to describe the mission that he and his wife established to help the homeless in St. Joseph.

The biggest compliment Mike Pittman can get is when he sees his former students pursuing their passions.

Amy and Jamey McVicker, of Cameron, Missouri, spend their days working for the public, taking care of their three children and raising thousands of dollars for the special needs community.

The winter months can be a tough time for many families and individuals who struggle to pay heating bills or for furnace upkeep and repairs.

John Minton has worn a multitude of hats in his career. Minton is a veteran of the Vietnam War, and now he’s one of the busiest veterans advocates in Northwest Missouri.

The Rev. Roger Lenander proved he is a champion for the poor and challenged in our community.

Mark Puckett knows the look because he’s witnessed it many times.

Matthew Bobela, a freshman at Missouri Western State University, is carrying 17 hours as a freshman in college while also directing various choirs throughout St. Joseph and working as a music teacher at St. James School.

While Jean Brown is most known for her work as the chief executive officer at the YWCA, her passion for community and helping others started a long time ago.