Local Hero: Wendi McKenzie Quietly Makes Life Better In Plainfield

PLAINFIELD, 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. We’re working to let all your neighbors know about these outstanding people and their stories.

This submission comes from Anonymous who nominated Wendi McKenzie of Plainfield. The two are co-workers, the submission reads.

Local hero’s full name

Wendi McKenzie

Local hero’s home state

Illinois

Local hero’s Patch

Plainfield

How do you know the local hero?

Co-Worker

What does the local hero do?

Goes above and beyond in assisting Plainfield Township's taxpayers by helping to put them into contact with organizations such as Salvation Army to receive assistance with homelessness, unpaid bills, food pantry and medical loan closet services, and so much more.

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

I believe that my nominee should be recognized or honored as she provides an invaluable service to the taxpayers of Plainfield Township. Wendi is an outstanding individual who really puts her heart into everything that she does for each individual-- catering to unique needs and situations with empathy, grace, and a fierce determination to provide as much knowledge and assistance as she can (or find the people who may have the information she does not). On top of her daily duties of helping to connect families by renewing passports and helping couples of all ages obtain their marriage licenses, Wendi heads the operation of the medical loan closet to provide equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and electric scooters to anyone in need in the township. Furthermore, Wendi works alongside food pantry services to ensure that members of the community are not going hungry, even if it's a day when the food pantry staff may not be available to assist. Wendi makes these governmental services more approachable, enjoyable, and personable to each and every person who walks through the door.

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

Wendi is a true unsung hero of Plainfield. Even if someone doesn't make an appointment with her for services directly (whether it be for utility assistance, Salvation Army, the medical loan closet, or passports), it's more than likely that Wendi has positively impacted you or someone in your life. Despite not receiving any acknowledgment for these acts, Wendi continues to put her all into everything that she does for her community simply because she believes in the mission to do so regardless of pay or praise.

Thank you for all you do, Wendi McKenzie!

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Know someone making a difference in town? Nominate them as a local hero here.