Recognizing Selfless Acts of Service
The Americans Helping Americans® Hero of the Month grant program celebrates individuals who make a significant impact in their communities through volunteering, acts of heroism, and dedicated service. These extraordinary individuals go above and beyond to improve the lives of those around them.
Meet Our 2025 Hero of the Month: David Evanoff
For 2025, our first Hero of the Month is David Evanoff from Beattyville, Kentucky. David was nominated by our longtime partner, Cumberland Mountain Outreach (CMO), where he has volunteered for an impressive 13 years.
According to CMO President Cynthia Evanoff, who is also his wife:
“His willing heart to serve his fellow man leads him every day to transport workers to jobs, deliver food to shut-ins, fill the food pantry four times with eight boxes daily, and check the grounds for any security maintenance issues.”
Dedication to Community Support
David plays an essential role in setting up the distribution center and delivering U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) food supplies to homebound residents through the Little Red Riding Hood delivery program.
Key Contributions:
- Delivered lunches to elderly community members for the past three years.
- Provided transportation for a senior worker to a local thrift store for two months.
- Coordinated shipment deliveries from Americans Helping Americans® and managed unloading logistics.
- Assisted in gathering and transporting donations from churches and individuals, sometimes traveling long distances to ensure aid reached those in need.
Disaster Relief Efforts
During the major floods in Eastern Kentucky, David took on a vital role in helping families recover:
- Braved dangerous conditions to deliver essential supplies like gasoline, water, clothes, food, and blankets before roads were safe.
- Provided his personal trailer to a family who lost everything, allowing them to live in it for two years as they rebuilt their lives.
Home Repair Program Leadership
CMO operates a home repair program supported by Americans Helping Americans®. This initiative ensures homes receive necessary repairs through an organized assessment process.
“Of course, David is the man who visits the homes, assesses materials needed, and prices them per job,” Cynthia shares.
Bringing Joy to the Community
Beyond his service work, David also contributes to the community in unique ways:
- Portrayed Jesus and a moose in the Woolly Worm Festival parade, earning second place.
- Won first place in the nonprofit Christmas yard decorating contest hosted by the City of Beattyville.
A True Community Superhero
“I don’t know where we would be without him,” Cynthia says. “You could ask David for anything; he is the ‘superhero’ who would do that. He is available 24/7.”
As for David himself:
“I love being part of the team. Someone prepares the necessary deliveries to complete the task and get them to the needy. I’ll happily do anything – but the paperwork!”
Honoring Everyday Heroes
The Hero of the Month program continues to shine a spotlight on individuals like David Evanoff, whose selflessness, commitment, and unwavering dedication make their communities stronger.
Know someone who deserves to be recognized? Nominate a hero today and help us celebrate those who make a difference every day.
