'Helping Heroes' Is A Natural For Rancho Santa Margarita Woman

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA —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 Maureen Watson who nominated Wendy Ruiz of Rancho Santa Margarita.

Ruiz runs an organization called "Operation Help a Hero."

"Wendy first co-ran, and now runs Operation Help A Hero," Watson tells Patch. "

This organization seeks out donations to fill bags for our deployed Marines who are returning home.

"Wendy organizes volunteers and gets donations for new towels, toiletries, food," and whatever they need to feel at home after being gone for so long, according to Watson.

"She works tirelessly , even though she has a full time job, Watson says.

Along with the return from deployment bags, Operation Help A Hero helps throw baby showers for marine families, as well as Christmas Parties for the children of marines.

Thank you for all that you do, Wendy!

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

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