'Brought A Smile' To Hundreds: Clarendon Hills Hero

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.CLARENDON HILLS, IL — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented times. Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these everyday heroes.

This submission comes from Darcy Gans, who nominated her colleague, Maria Tobin, the recreation coordinator in the Clarendon Hills Park District.

Where the nominee lives:

Clarendon Hills

Name of the nominee:

Maria Tobin

Is the nominee considered an “essential worker”?

Yes

What does the nominee do for work?

Park district recreation coordinator

Why do you believe the nominee should be recognized or honored?

Maria Tobin has personally reached out with colorful letters and inspirational messages to all of the senior citizens who had previously attended programs at the Clarendon Hills Park District. With little notice, Maria has worked tirelessly to create virtual craft projects for the children of Clarendon Hills, guiding local youngsters as they make special Mother's Day gifts during a trying year. All of her kindness and talent is shared on the Clarendon Hills Park District's Facebook page. She has tackled all of these activities during Illinois' shelter in place order.

What’s one thing you want everyone to know about your hero?:

While Maria may not be on the front lines in treating COVID-19 patients, she has brought a smile to hundreds of faces in Clarendon Hills during the shelter-in-place order. She works at the front desk of our now shuttered Community Center, and is the first person visitors meet when they arrive at the park district. She can hardly wait to interact with the community when it is healthy and safe for our friends and neighbors to return!

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.

>> Do YOU have a hero you would like us to know about? Share their story here.