David Stephens: Our everyday hero!

David Stephens is the latest recipient of the Carla Youngblood Community Spirit Award. What others may call the Christmas spirit is for David an everyday thing. We appreciate all he does to spread cheer and goodwill in our town!

Stephens Receives Community Spirit Award

(January 11, 2021)–The Friends of the Berryville Library ended the year on a high note with the presentation of their Carla Youngblood Community Spirit Award.  The award is given to recognize silent acts of kindness from people who do good deeds for others helping to better our community.

In a recent outdoor gathering, Friends of the Library Vice President LeaAnn Jackson presented the award to David Stephens of Berryville.  David can frequently be seen at Danny’s Tire & Service, where he volunteers his time to respond to calls to bring gas, jump batteries, and provide other “fixes” to get people back on the road, saying it brings him joy to help others in this small way.   David has also been seen around town dressed as Santa.  Not only has he been Santa for several Friends of the Library events, but he also recently heard of a young girl who wanted to see Santa but was unable, due to her illness.  David made it his personal endeavor to make this young girl’s wish come true.  David has also been instrumental in helping the Friends of the Library promote their upcoming events by visiting with business and individuals and telling them all about the event to help boost attendance and support of the library.

According to Carol Ann Engskov,  Friends of the Library board member and groups’s historian, “Silent acts of kindness can come in a myriad of ways, and many of the Friends have commented that David is an ‘aw shucks—it’s not anything’ kind of guy. He prides himself in going the extra mile for someone. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this recognition than David!”

As the presentation ceremony came to a close, LeaAnn Jackson thanked David for his love for his neighbors and his genuine care for others. “Your actions are the spirit that embodies this award, Jackson added. 

David received a certificate and his name will be placed on a perpetual plaque that is proudly displayed in the library.  He also received a $50 award, which he chose to be donated to St. Jude’s Hospital.

For more information on joining the Friends of the Library or if you know of someone who exemplifies this award, call (870) 423-2323 or stop by the library at 104 Spring Street in Berryville.

###

 Photo:  Pictured from left to right:  LeaAnn Jackson, Friends of the Berryville Library Vice President; Carla Youngblood Community Spirit Award Winner David Stephens;  Carol Ann Engskov, Friends of the Library Historian; and Carla Youngblood.