Each year, SRQ Media invites the community to nominate individuals with hearts of giving who have made a significant impact with local nonprofit organizations—from volunteers and board members to individual staff members and donors. This year, attendees were thrilled to be together as we recognized these individuals at our annual Giving Coast and Good Hero Awards luncheon and panel discussion on December 10 at Michael’s on East in Sarasota. In the coming weeks, we are happy to feature each of the ten honorees in our Wednesday Philanthropic edition of SRQ Daily.

Today, we are recognizing Carey Houghton who volunteers with Meals on Wheels and exemplifies the spirit of compassion and community that the organization stands for. Carey goes far beyond delivering meals–she delivers kindness, dignity and care to those who need it most. During one of her regular deliveries, Carey learned that one of her clients did not have a functioning laundry machine and had been sleeping on unwashed sheets for some time. She took it upon herself to purchase fresh sheets, pillows and a new pair of shoes for him—simple items that brought comfort, health and renewed dignity to his daily life. Carey’s quiet generosity and action remind us that small gestures of care can make an immeasurable difference in someone’s world. Congratulations, Carey.