My Heroes

I was always a big fan of comic books, and I lived for the Saturday morning cartoon superheroes. Back before all the cable stations fulfilled every kids desire for 24 hour, 7 day a week access to animated action, suspense and thrilling feats of bravery and heroism, I would look forward to my once weekly chance to see my own personal heroes take action. Thirty years later, that sense of wonder and awe was re-awakened, as this past weekend, I not only got to see a person fight the good fight I got to spend time with them in person.

But this time, my hero wasn’t wearing neon spandex tights, and they didn’t have super strength, laser vision or even a snazzy utility belt. This hero took the form of a teenage kid, wearing several layers of clothing and armed only with a desire to be the force that can change even just one life for the better.

This past weekend marked the sixth annual Homeless Awareness Sleepout, where dozens of local teenagers took to the street at several local churches to place themselves in the adverse position to experience firsthand the plight of those less fortunate than themselves in a cold and very unforgiving Cleveland in January. Making shelters out of boxes and plastic tarps, they spent their day soliciting donations of money, food, and clothing from passersby. They withstood the cold, the wind, and sometimes even the taunts and ridicule of an indifferent citizenry.

I continue to be amazed at the number and strength of the Lakewood youth who show up year after year to complete this service project. Their selfless dedication has resulted in thousands of dollars raised in an area of such desperate need that every penny counts. After six years of service, I don’t know that the kids who choose to give can ever fully appreciate the breadth and depth of how many families this act affects.

This year’s donations will be forwarded to several area homeless shelters and help fund the next Homeless Stand Down, an event that has turned into a three day gift of hope and path toward redemption for thousands in need in North East Ohio.

So you can take in a movie and get the brief thrill and welcomed diversion of seeing Iron Man battle bad guys, or Batman right wrongs. But for my money, there is no greater thrills than seeing my own personal hero pass up a trip to the mall or a night with friends on her 17th birthday to make a positive difference in the lives of people they might never meet. That’s what it really means to give.

If you would like to contribute to the cause, please contact Lakewood Congregational Church at (216) 221-9555 or Pilgrim Saint Paul Lutheran Church at (216) 521-8842.