'They Have Such Big Hearts': Chicago Heights Heroes

CHICAGO HEIGHTS, IL — 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. Together with Ring, we’re working to let all your neighbors know about these outstanding people and their stories.

This submission comes from Victoria Ruiz who nominated Stella and Juan Hernandez of Chicago Heights. Ruiz said Stella and Juan are her parents, and they have made a difference.

Name: Stella Hernandez Juan Hernandez
State: IL
Home town: Chicago Heights
Hero's job: Volunteer
If other, job: They own Alicia’s House food pantry and give food to sooo many people in
need.
Relationship to nominee: My parents
Reason for recognition: My parents have been making a difference in so many peoples
lives from just giving food every week to people in need to special holidays giving the
children Christmas parties and presents. My parents do this all from the kindness of their
heart.
One thing to know: My parents are amazing and wonderful people. They do so much to
keep Alicia’s House going. They have such big hearts.

Thank you for all you do, Stella and Juan!

>> Do YOU have a local hero you would like us to know about? Share their story here. Read about other heroes from across Illinois here.

All photos included in this post are owned by identified third parties who have given Patch the right to use explicitly for the Patch Local Heroes series.