SVM_Pay it Forward_040525

RWARD PAY IT F

When someone does something for you, instead of paying that person back directly, you pass it on to another person instead.

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Congratulations to all that were nominated! Keep Paying It Forward!

someone does a kind deed for another, instead of returning the favor to them, a good deed is, in turn, done for another person. Do you know someone in the Sauk Valley who has done a kind act for another? Someone who has paid for a stranger’s coffee, left a big tip for a server, donated their time to a group or organization or helped an elder load their groceries? These are just a few random acts of paying it forward. We would love to hear from you.

Sauk Valley Media asked our print and digital readers to nominate those individuals throughout the Sauk Valley that are Paying It Forward. We wanted to recognize those that go above and beyond, we hope you enjoy reading about them as much as we did.

Readers will have the opportunity to nominate a Sauk Valley resident who has paid it forward online at saukvalley.com. Sauk Valley Media will then cross publish these entries into a pull-out tab to be inserted into the Telegraph and Daily Gazette on April 5th. Our goal is to promote the effect of “Paying It Forward”, where a single act of kindness creates a cascade, or ripple effect.

Readers will have the opportunity to nominate a Sauk Valley resident who has paid it forward online at saukvalley.com. Sauk Valley

Media will then cross publish these entries into a pull-out tab to be inserted into the Telegraph and Daily Gazette on April 5th. Our goal is to promote the effect of “Paying It Forward”, where a single act of kindness creates a cascade, or ripple effect.

FRWARD PAY IT

Don’t miss your chance to be included in this new section that will capture the good that goes on throughout our communities.

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Thanks to our sponsors:

Nominee: Russ and Carol Siefken

They have volunteered their time for a lot of organizations over the years –church organizations and community organizations.

Nominated by: Denise Hager

Nominee: Shannon Eastman

Shannon is our Granny Rose Animal Shelter Director. What a lot of people don’t realize is she does wears many hats quietly. She is a wonderful advocate for animals and understands what it takes to run a quality shelter. She is a solid leader.

Nominated by: Tom Feank

Nominee: Dixon Rotary Club

On March 8th, the Dixon Rotary Club came together for a good cause, hosting their annual Shrimp Boil at the KC Hall. The event wasn’t just about great food—it was about giving back. Proceeds from the night will go toward scholarships for the Dixon High School class of 2025. It was a strong show of community spirit and a meaningful way to support local students as they prepare for their next chapter.

Nominated by: Brandon Rogers

Nominee: Whiteside Senior Center

Met with my client to help get the right insurance for her.

Nominated by: Delphine Hernandez

Nominee: Diana Owens

Great tipper at all local establishments!!

Nominated by: Dena Knight

Nominee: Robert Roush

Robert has always helped people by either giving them a place to stay for a while in his small apt, feeding them even when he didn’t have much food, or giving his last dime to help someone even though he’s on s.s.d.i. His health isn’t good so I would like to nominate Robert.

Nominated by: Robert Roush

Nominee: Sara Johnson

Sara is the President of Kings Closet thrift store in Erie. Without pay, Sara works at the shop on a daily basis with other volunteers keeping the store up and running. Not only does she make decisions about the operation of the store, Sara is always willing to help those in need. She works with county probation and attempts to help those that need community service hours to get their life in order. When an individual or a family in the area is in need, she always steps up and helps out by any means possible. The list of individuals she has helped or “payed forward “ is too large to name.

Nominated by: Rollie Elder

DIXON AREA

Nominee: Jill and Jeremy Pribble

This couple is amazing! When an old, casual friend started showing Dementia, they stepped up. He lived alone after losing his wife, and they agreed that he couldn’t continue to do that.

They live a few miles apart. Pribbles are retired and have 3 dogs. Yet they pretty much moved in to help Greg 24/7 without a thought. They cook and clean and care for him. Take him to the doctor and all other appointments. All because “he has no one to take care of him” They clean his house, do his laundry, yardwork and cook.

Not many are as selfless as Jill and Jeremy Pribble!

Nominated by: Becky Blevins

Nominee: Jennifer L Thompson

Jennifer is a Help at Home Caregiver. She goes above and beyond to help anyone in need, such as elderly folks, children, ect. I have watched her caringly go to an elderly person’s car help them with groceries and into there cars. She is so amazing.

Nominated by: Leon Johnson Johnson

A

COMMUNITY THAT

PROMOTES

-The Prairie Brome Solar Team

KINDNESS IS A COMMUNITY THAT WILL SHINE BRIGHTLY INTO THE FUTURE.

Congratulations to all the nominees of Sauk Valley’s 2025 Pay It Forward program! We are honored to be

Visit our website to learn how Prairie Brome Solar is making a difference in Lee County and our commitment to being a good neighbor!

www.prairiebromesolar.com part of this incredible community.

Nominee: Beth Johnson

She is organizing a Bundt Cake fundraiser for a Rock Falls High School student, Dylan Wescott, who was severly injured at a track meet. She knows of Dylan through his uncle and wants to try and help in anyway she can. She feels the family needs the community’s support to help offset Dylan’s medical expenses as well as lost wages from his parents.

Nominated by: Jill Reyna

Nominee: Ashley Richter

Ashley Richter exemplifies dedication and compassion in her role as the United Way Director of Lee and Ogle counties, going above and beyond to strengthen her community. With a deep commitment to service, she tirelessly works to connect local organizations, businesses, and volunteers to address critical needs. Ashley’s leadership is marked by her hands on approach - whether she’s organizing fundraising campaigns, advocating for underprivileged families, or rolling up her sleeves to assist with community projects. Her ability to inspire others and build meaningful partnerships has led to increased resources and support for countless individuals. Ashley continues to make a lasting impact, ensuring that United Way remains a pillar of hope and assistance for those who need it most.

Nominated by: Jennifer Heintzelman

Nominee: Kelly Shroyer & Vinny

Kelly Shroyer and her therapy dog, Vinny, spread the love everywhere they go. They can be found at events all around the Sauk Valley, from sporting events to fundraisers to community events. Vinny is always a hit with everyone from small children to the elderly, and Kelly is the perfect handler to help spread the joy. She is bubbly, outgoing, and a wonderful ambassador for the Sauk Valley community. Thank you, Kelly and Vinny, for bringing smiles and spreading love wherever you go. The world could use more of your positivity and light.

Nominate by: Kelly Null

Nominee: Bob Knight

Several times Bob has paid for gasoline for total strangers at different stations in the Sauk Valley area.

Nominated by: Kathe Swanson

Wear Good. do Good.

Nominee: Andrea Zinanni

Andrea serves on the board of the Sauk Valley Food Bank. She is recently part of a new all women support group identify the needs of women in a transportation career. She is a dedicated blood donor and recently donated platelets for a cancer patient. She decided to be a platelet donor after reading an article that focused on non caucasian cancer patients struggles with not having enough non caucasian donors. The process was approximately 6 months and several trips to various hospitals and time off work to be accepted as a donor. It was a rewarding experience and she is considering donating again. Overall, she is a positive influence in every way. She attends programs, 5Ks and gives to other various organizations such as YMCA because she believes in a healthy lifestyle.

Nominated by: Patricia Martinez

Nominee:

Danielle Richardson

With the help of her friends and clients at Furology Pet Spa, Danielle was able to gather a huge amount of Christmas donations for the Shining Star kids advocacy group that helped get gifts to kids in families who needed a little extra help during this past holiday season. Danielle is a great example of what it means to be a part of and giving back to our community.

Nominate by: Nic Swanson

Nominee: The Loop Barbershop

The balance between exceptional hair cutting and friendly atmosphere is second to none. Meho, Eric, J.B., and Ms. Chong deliver the best - day in and day out! These folks care for each kid and adult that walks thru the doors and most often remember eveyone by name. You want some positivity and friendly discussion (or a donut on Saturdays)? - Look no further than the “family” environment that The Loop has developed and maintained. There’s no such thing as a bad day at the Loop! Always a fun visit! Thanks to you 4 for what you give to the Sauk Valley!

Nominated by: D Stokes