'A True Community Treasure': Manhattan Patch Hero

MANHATTAN, 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. Together with Ring, we're working to let all your neighbors know about these outstanding people and their stories.

This submission comes from Paula Gibbs who nominated Linda Naughton, who are both Manhattan community members:

Name: Linda Naughton

State: IL

Hometown: Manhattan

Hero's job: Volunteer

Relationship to nominee: Community member

Reason for recognition: "Linda's full-time, 25 yr +, volunteer career has elevated our children &
community immeasurably. Year in & out for decades, she taught our boys survival skills & citizenship; collected hundreds of tons of food; spearheaded (not enough room-email me)
One thing to know: She has worked tirelessly, without pay or compensation, for a lifetime to improve our community and nurture our children. Linda is a true community treasure without whom Manhattan would be a different town today, and the poorer for it."

Thank you for all you do, Linda!

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

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.