Dana’s story began about six years ago during her daily walks. Troubled by the amount of litter she saw in her neighborhood, she decided to do something about it. What started as a one-time cleanup effort soon became a routine.

Today, Dana spends three to four days each week picking up trash, collecting an estimated five to ten bags of litter weekly. Along the way, she has removed everything from fast-food containers and bottles to discarded needles that could pose dangers to neighborhood children.

Dana doesn’t do it for attention. She does it because she cares about her community and wants to leave it better than she found it.

Her example is exactly what the Difference Maker Award is meant to celebrate. The award recognizes those who see a need, take action, and make a positive impact through simple acts of service.

Thank you, Dana, for reminding us that making a difference often begins with simply caring enough to act.

If you know someone whose quiet acts of service are making a difference in our community, or if you would like to learn more about Pekin Rotary and its efforts to serve our community, visit www.pekinrotary.org.