INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Over the course of the last six months VeroNews.com has been covering the news of Indian River County, we have come across some wonderful people and organizations who strive to serve others.

While news by definition is the occurrence of something out of the ordinary, it is very often information of someone’s misfortune or bad behavior that we spend most of our time reporting.

However, in our six months of chasing down stories we have met some wonderful people, who care about their community and want to make life a little bit better for us all. It is in the spirit of the Christmas holiday, that we would like to share some of our favorite stories.

We couldn’t possibly include every single uplifting and inspiring piece that we have published, but here are excerpts from a small sampling we have selected.

These stories include a back-to-school event in Gifford, members of law enforcement who were recognized for their service above and beyond the call of duty, and a group of moms who want soldiers overseas to know they are loved and remembered. Gifford Back to School Bash equips 875 kids to learn, by Lisa Zahner, posted Aug. 8

GIFFORD — The community pulled together Saturday Aug. 8 to help hundreds of children get ready for school during the annual Gifford Back to School Bash.

All summer, many local businesses helped with the collection of supplies by hosting drop-off sites and by making cash contributions. Riverside Bank, Indian River Federal Credit Union, Piper Aircraft, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, Northern Trust and the Visiting Nurse Association Hidden Treasures Thrift Shop all provided sites for the collection boxes.

The bash is more than just giving away school supplies, according to organizer Freddie Woolfork. It’s a celebration of learning and a community-building event for kids.

“It’s a great way for everyone to get together, the kids with the parents and enjoy the event and the hot dogs,” Woolfork said.

The Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, the Visiting Nurse Association and other local agencies turned out to assist with the event. Detective Teddy Floyd coordinates community policing efforts in the Gifford neighborhood and has worked the bash since its inception.

“This event is like a disciple of hope, it gives people hope,” Floyd said. “A lot of the ladies here with their kids said they would not be able to do this, to supply the kids for school, without this event, considering the economy and the families being out of work.”

About 40 volunteers from the River Fund’s Feed Everyone Program in Sebastian have donated time and treasure over the past month getting the backpacks and filling them with supplies in preparation for Saturday’s event. Ananda Devi of Sebastian headed up the effort on from the River Fund.

Read the full story here

Deputies, officers recognized for heroism, going above and beyond, by Debbie Carson, posted July 29

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Two dozen deputies, investigators, volunteers and regular citizens – including two children – received kudos for going above and beyond the call of duty, placing themselves in harm’s way and for making the community a better place overall. Sheriff Deryl Loar presented the sheriff’s office’s first and second quarter awards ceremony Wednesday afternoon.

Among those recognized were Amanda and Zachary Reynolds, ages 8 and 7 respectively, who received the Citizens Award for calling 911 and tending to their grandmother who had fallen and hit her head. Their grandmother complained of dizziness and was physically ill but still Amanda kept calm while on the phone with a 911 operator and Zachary assisted in tending to her while waiting for help to arrive.

Read the full story here

Military Moms, community help 1,600 soldiers have cheery Christmas, by Debbie Carson, posted Nov. 28

VERO BEACH — Nearly 1,600 military service men and women stationed overseas will have a Christmas when packages begin to arrive later next month – all thanks to Military Moms and the greater Indian River County community.

“Each box becomes Christmas for soldiers who don’t get mail,” said Military Moms Prayer Group member Joyce Desrosiers.

For Sgt. Michael Gallahue, there was nothing better than receiving a package from home while stationed in Iraq.

“It’s really touching,” he said Saturday, as he helped to pack boxes for fellow soldiers overseas.

The group and many other volunteers gathered over the weekend to pack boxes filled with cards, letters, snacks and other comforts from home.

“It’s all just volunteers,” Desrosiers said.