Serena was nominated to be a hidden hero because throughout the pandemic she had the opportunity to do a few things to help others. Serena didn't just do it on her own, she got her whole family involved to help out as well. At the start of the pandemic school-aged children didn't go back to in-person learning in their area. This made it difficult for some families to have breakfasts and lunches for their kids. This sparked the idea.. "my kids and I began a delivery route in the area for families that had parents working from home or the office" (so they couldn't pick up their own meals at the school).
Along with her version of meals on wheels, Serena sent out hundreds of kindness cards to brighten people's day, especially the elderly. This idea expanded to social media and throughout the county. Her children got in on the action as well. Serena says "If I can teach my kids to show kindness to others then I've done my job as their mom."
Serena was born and raised in Holcombe, Wisconsin. She moved to Stevens Point in 2000 to attend UW-Stevens Point. She lived in Baldwin Hall on campus and absolutely loved it.
When she was in High School she was a part of Relay for Life, an American Cancer Society fundraiser. She was passionate about raising funds for the organization because she believed it was a good and worthy cause. "I had known people who were sick and had even died from cancer" Serena says. As she was raising money, she asked one of her parent's friends and he donated $500. She was astonished that someone would give so freely. Every year after that he always donated the same amount. His giving encouraged her to simply "ask". She said "My dad always says he thinks this is where my spark to "do good" and "keep fighting for the cause you are working for" started."
Each day she and one of her children would go to their local school and leave with boxes of meals. Some days they would dress up in costumes to deliver the meals. Their goal was to bring some joy to the students and families that they were delivering the meals to. By the time school had started up in-person they had delivered over 3,500 meals.
Serena explains "the kids we delivered meals to met the Bannach Bulldog, a dinosaur, the Easter Bunny and other fun characters. Delivering these meals was the highlight of the pandemic for me as a person and as a mother. The roads were quiet, the talks were real, the meals were nutritious and the kids smiles were genuine. Helping others always helps you."
Serena's Favorite's:
Song: "You Say" by Lauren Daigle
Food: If I could live on two foods for the rest of my life- veggie (gf) dumpling soup and burnt popcorn
Book: "The Giver" by Lois Lowry
Quote: "Be good to people for no reason." - Anonymous
What makes you happy?
My family, my dog- Indy, helping others, visiting friends, remembering I have cookies in the freezer that I forgot about, going to my mom and dad's house to be with them and so much more!
How does living in Portage County influence you?
I married my husband while in college. We both loved Stevens Point/Portage County so we decided to stay and raise our future family. We stayed because of how progressive the area is, how beautiful it is and how kind the people are. Living here encourages me daily to do good and think outside of the box.
Where are you headed?
I'm not sure what the future holds for me but what I do know is that I will always keep an open mind and an open heart. Without those two things I wouldn't be where I am today.
Who's your hero?
My sister. She's been through a lot in her life and she's still fighting.
What can people from the community learn from you?
I think the more important question is, what can I learn from the people in my community?
What is your most deeply held belief?
I whole-heartedly have faith that God is real. I feel it in my soul.
If you had three wishes what would they be?
If I had three wishes to be granted to me- one of those wishes would be to be uber rich but not let anyone know that I was. Not so I can buy an expensive house, pay off student loan debt, get a fancy car- NO. It would be so I could make other peoples' dreams come true. I would do whatever I could, in secret, to help as many people as possible.
What is the hardest truth you've ever learned?
As a woman I've learned to trust my instincts. I don't play polite if I'm not comfortable in a situation.
1 Comments
Apr 5, 2021, 12:49:24 PM
LiNDA sblendorio - Serena is the most caring, giving person I know. She will do whatever she can to show her children that kindness and doing whatever you can to help others. She donates her time, energy and resources as often and as much as possible. Her entire family is very proud of her.