Hometown Heroes

Words by Stephen W.B. Rizzo | Image by Nick Rizzo

Located on the Sumiton Church of God campus and a mere mile from my home, Daily Bread Ministry serves 1,500 families monthly. Founded in the late 1960s, it is now the largest food bank in Walker County. Heading up a small army of some forty volunteers from the church, area schools, and other faith-based ministries is Pam Ballenger. She is quick to credit the volunteers, but it is her drive and leadership that focus their efforts.

Pastor Harv Turner aptly describes Pam as “tenacious and determined.” Her engaging smile and affable personality belie the deep passion she has for the needs of others. For thirty-six years, she has been helping feed her community. She sums it up: “I just know there are people who are hungry. You know, that's not a good thing… Until [God] tells me He doesn’t want me to [feed them] anymore, I won’t stop.”

Another mile and a half from the church, Dora High School Principal Paige Abner says, “Ron Hicks and Seth Skalnik, 1995 alumni of Dora High School, returned in 2024 with a determination to give back to their alma mater.” They began showing up with golf carts in the 2024 season to ferry fans to and from the stadium. Construction on the new high school facility, which forced fans to park a significant distance from the stadium, made their efforts invaluable.

But they do more than drive golfcarts. An incident with two student participants at one of the football games made them aware that “there are… kids in that community not as fortunate as some others.” Seth explains that “it really stirred [our] hearts to know that [there are] kids at a high school we left who can’t afford” anything from the concessions.”

This incident became the catalyst for the creation of Aftermath Engraving Apparel with the purpose of “helping after-school activities at Dora High School.” Ron and Seth handle all the work of custom engraving and selling items such as dog tags and ball caps, with the profits supporting the school's activities. Seth says, “I wouldn’t say it’s considered a charity. I would more consider it a ministry.” Last year, their “ministry” donated almost $5,000 to the high school and awarded three $500 scholarships.

Pam, Ron, and Seth would not describe themselves as heroes, but to hungry and hurting people in my corner of Walker County, they are. Heroes give and do for others what others cannot do for themselves. They see a need and meet it without fanfare and without asking for thanks. These are three in my community.

Commenting on the people serving through nonprofits and ministries across all of Walker County, Pam says, “There's a lot of good things going on for our county.” Look for these heroes in your community. Thank them. And if you see an unmet need, feel free to meet it and become a hero yourself. 78