Compassionate Teen Makes Difference In Chicago: Patch Local Hero

CHICAGO — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented and changing times.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. We’re working to let all your neighbors know about these outstanding people and their stories.

This submission comes from Beth Richman who nominated Ava Gresser of Beverly-MtGreenwood.

Local hero’s full name

Ava Gresser

Local hero’s home state

Illinois

Local hero’s Patch

Beverly-MtGreenwood

How do you know the local hero?

Thirteen-year-old Ava has been volunteering with The Honeycomb Project for the past six years.

What does the local hero do?

A few times every month, Ava and her mom volunteer together through The Honeycomb Project, helping local nonprofits and improving the lives of countless people. They sort donations of household essentials for Chicago families, prepare meals at a homeless shelter, clean up beaches, etc. Ava also secured a 2022 Hershey Heartwarming Young Hero Grant to benefit Honeycomb and serves as the organization's "broadcast field reporter" at weekend events. Again, she is 13-years-old.

Why do you believe the local hero should be recognized or honored?

Ava is compassionate, empathetic, and dedicated. At a young age, she already understands the impact that volunteering can make on other people's lives. She has perspective on complex societal issues from food insecurity to environmental challenges, and chooses to consistently spend her free time addressing these problems.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the local hero?

In addition to Ava’s commitment to making a lasting difference throughout Chicago communities, she is an excellent student at Lindbloom Math and Science and enjoys dancing, volleyball and debate.

Thank you for all you do, Ava Gresser!

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Know someone making a difference in town?

Nominate them here.