Tina Smart was nominated several times as a hidden hero in the Portage County community! For over fifty years she has been recognized because of her willingness to help teach love, respect, and the joy of giving to others. Tina is a wonderful example that true happiness is not determined by what you have, but by what you can give. She does everything from volunteering to delivering clothing, food, and art to those in need, as well as gives rides to those without transportation. She does it all while battling Rheumatoid Arthritis and recovering from various surgeries on her joints. Even though she deals with these painful health issues every day she is still able to take care of those around her medically and emotionally out of the kindness of her heart. 

Tina has nine children who have followed in her footsteps helping their community. She loves having a large family because it allows her to touch more people. Helping others is her family's way of life. Both Tina and her children prefer to donate their time and effort toward the community. Tina's deepest held belief is that one can find grace anywhere. She also believes that whatever your gifts may be that you should always continue to share them. 

Tina's spark to help others stems from her joy of working for God. She knows that there is always a need to be fulfilled.

Tina's Favorites: 

Quote: "The meaning of awe is to realize that life takes place under wide horizons, that range beyond the span of an individual life." - Abraham Heschel

Books: Tina's grandfather was a book collector and she loves the classics. She often donates books to the community. 

Food: Crepes with orange sauce made my her husband.

Tina's Hero:

Her grandparents, because they are ultimately why she stayed in the Portage County area. 

What Tina's children have said about her:

"My moms mission in life is just to pass along love. She loves seeing joy on the faces of everyone. She has always coached our sports teams and volunteers weekly in her grandsons classroom. She even takes strangers off of the street to feed them for the holidays."

Not many people can lift the whole world up while they themselves are physically weak, Tina Smart can though, and she deserves to be recognized for that!