In the past few weeks, we’ve taken time to recognize the volunteer efforts that are making our communities stronger every day.
We also want to recognize another group of people, the sponsors for the 2021 Difference Makers program, who made this week’s celebration possible.
Businesses that partnered with the DAR for the Difference Makers program were Saint Francis Healthcare System (presenting sponsor) Poplar Bluff School District, Productive Staffing, Kurt Knodell-Poplar Bluff Realty, Rick Lansford-Century 21, Envy Boutique, Blue Relics & Revivals, Baker Implement, Three Rivers College, Lisa Reynolds Insurance, Christian Tire & Automotive, Kramer Family Vision, Key Drugs Pharmacy, Quality Air, Bank of Missouri, Kissinger & Kirkman, First Midwest Bank, Hefner Furniture, Ozark Federal Credit Union, City of Poplar Bluff, Pepsi MidAmerica, Haffy's, Donut House and the Claudia Foundation.
These local businesses helped ensure the work our Difference Maker of the Year, Michelle Hessling, has done to help homeless residents in the Poplar Bluff area is celebrated. Hessling started her project without fanfare and has never looked for recognition, just more helping hands, but it is the type of project that deserves more attention.
Hessling told us, “The two greatest commandments from the Bible instruct us to love God and love our fellow man,” adding later, “I hope, too, that citizens, community leaders, businesses and churches will take a vested interest in our homeless population, and stop judging them for where they are, and begin to help them for who they are — our brothers and sisters in Christ.”
The work of Hessling and those who help her, as well as all of our other Difference Makers, celebrates the best of our community.
We were proud to celebrate these leaders Thursday night at the Difference Makers banquet at the Black River Coliseum.
Too often we can all get caught up in the worst of what’s going on in our world.
Taking time to recognize the selflessness, innovation and good that comes from the work of these Difference Makers also offers a chance to inspire others to do more good.
Thank you to everyone who has partnered with us in 2021 to recognize our current Difference Makers and inspire others to continue or start more good projects like these.
We look forward to meeting our 2022 Difference Makers!.
— Daily American Republic