'With A Smile, Love And Compassion': Harlem Local Hero

HARLEM, NY — 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 Yvette Hawkins, who nominated Sáde Christine Hawkins of Harlem.

Local hero’s full name

Sáde Christine Hawkins

Local hero’s home state

New York

Local hero’s Patch

Harlem

How do you know the local hero?

My daughter

What does the local hero do?

She collects slightly used sneakers and boots, cleans them up and gives them out to the homeless on the street and subways, after cleaning and deodorizing them, wrapping them up with the size attached.

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

Since 2018 Sáde has been kind enough and thoughtful enough to go around and ask people, from stores, local businesses , churches and just walking up to people in the street asking for slightly used footwear such as sneakers and boots. She then goes and purchases cleaning materials, clear wrapping paper and cleans and wraps them up and then in the late hours of the night, she goes in the subways and the streets to look for homeless people to give them footwear with brand new socks and sometimes a handwritten card from young people.

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

That she does all of this with a smile, love and compassion and with her own funds.

Thank you for all you do, Sáde Christine Hawkins!

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Know someone making a difference in town?

Nominate them here.