Hero Central

About Hero Central

The world could use a few heroes right about now. Each of us has a chance to be a hero in the life of another person. There are everyday heroes right in our own communities. We want to tell the stories of these everyday heroes. So tell us about the hero in your life at herocentral@wcsh6.com.

Hero Central Stories

Outpouring of support building a foundation to construct bombing victim a new home

7:00 PM, May 14, 2013

SACO, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- The friends and family of Karen Rand, a woman from Maine seriously injured in the Boston Marathon bombings, are looking for help to build her a new, accessible home.

Santa's helpers find holiday spirit in letters addressed to the North Pole

7:36 PM, Dec 21, 2012

PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- No one is exactly positive how Portland, Maine became the post office for the North Pole, but a team of volunteers is making sure every letter sent to Santa gets read and replied to.

5th and final Run for the Fallen to be held on Sunday

5:44 PM, Aug 16, 2012

OGUNQUIT, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- When John Mixon saw a news story about a national Run for the Fallen back in 2008, he called to see if he could join in the run, never knowing how that phone call would change his life.

Bike doctor makes the rounds in Biddeford

4:58 PM, May 25, 2012

BIDDEFORD, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- There's a new doctor on duty in Biddeford, making house calls and getting patients up to speed, but all he asks in return for his services is a thank you.

Run organized to honor slain police chief

5:26 PM, Apr 27, 2012

PORTSMOUTH, New Hampshire (NEWS CENTER) -- What started as an opportunity for police officers to blow off some steam and honor slain Greenland Police Chief Michael Maloney, has blossomed into an event bringing people together to pay tribute to a fallen hero.

Four month old Jameson Brooks, who is fighting brain cancer, finds comfort in his dad Justins arms.

Infant has army of support in battle against brain cancer

7:17 PM, Dec 16, 2011

PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Jameson Brooks has been fighting a courageous battle against brain cancer, with his family and members of the community supporting him every step of the way.

Hoops Hero closing in one million mark

6:36 PM, Nov 3, 2011

KENNEBUNK, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- On Veteran's Day in 2009, Dave Cummings started his quest to make one million free throws to raise money and awareness for the sacrifices made by our military men and women.

Volunteers unload bags full of donated food during the United Ways food drive.

United Way kicks off annual campaign with food drive

6:58 PM, Sep 1, 2011

PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- The United Way of Greater Portland kicked off its annual campaign with a food drive to help area food pantries and raise awareness about the growing hunger problem in Maine.

Pratt & Whitney is recognized for their support of employees who are also members of the Guard and Reserves.

Employer recognized for support of Guard & Reserve

4:59 PM, Aug 26, 2011

NORTH BERWICK, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Nearly half of our national defense is comprised of men and women who serve part-time in the National Guard and Reserves.

Runners finish the inaugural Run for the Fallen in Portlands Monument Square.

Maine's Run for the Fallen inspiring other remembrance runs

9:05 AM, Aug 5, 2011

OGUNQUIT, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Three years ago a group of volunteers quickly came together to organize a run in honor of service men and women from Maine killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

People gather for the nightly memorial flag raising in Old Orchard Beach.

Maine town honoring veterans' sacrifices with nightly ceremony

7:31 PM, Jul 25, 2011

OLD ORCHARD BEACH, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Each night this summer at six o'clock, a group of volunteers descends on the town's Veteran's Memorial Park to perform a simple ceremony for people most of them have never met.

Maine women veterans honored at special silver coin ceremony.

Maine women veterans honored in ceremony

5:51 PM, Jun 6, 2011

SCARBOROUGH, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Forty-two women veterans, who served their country during conflicts from WWII to the present day Global War on Terror, were honored in a special ceremony at the Maine Veteran's Home.

Warren Center cuts ribbon on new building

4:39 PM, Jun 6, 2011

BANGOR, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- People with hearing and speech disorders in the Bangor area have turned to the Warren Center for help for the past 50 years.

Bobby Silcott demonstrates how to use a pet oxygen mask.

A dozen pet oxygen mask kits donated to first responders

6:34 PM, May 16, 2011

SACO, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- A generous donation of a dozen pet oxygen mask kits to first responders in Biddeford and Saco will have pets, and their owners, breathing easier if they are the victims of a fire.

Tractor trailer stuffed full of 'Crutches 4 Africa'

5:43 PM, May 13, 2011

SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- For the past year, members of Rotary Clubs from throughout southern Maine and New Hampshire's Sea Coast have been gathering used and unwanted canes and crutches to send to people struggling with disabilities in Africa.

Man seriously injured in swimming accident to take the plunge to help others

7:11 PM, Dec 28, 2010

PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- When Dylan Woodhouse broke his neck while swimming at Old Orchard Beach this past summer, the last thing he was thinking about was braving the frigid waters of the Atlantic on New Year's Day.

Wish comes true for Maine teen

6:43 PM, Dec 10, 2010

SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Two and a half years after a machete attack left her scarred and recovering from a brain injury, Nikki Guerrette saw a wish come true Friday.

Operation Tribute growing to help more military members

3:35 PM, Dec 7, 2010

GORHAM, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- What started three years ago as a way to say thanks to the children of Maine service members, Operation Tribute has quickly grown to help thousands of kids throughout the Northeast.

Family opens thrift store as a way to give back to their community

10:21 AM, Nov 29, 2010

CARIBOU, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Cindy and Christian Johnson know all about the financial and emotional stress having a child with a life threatening illness can cause.

Tax prep volunteers needed

9:14 AM, Oct 26, 2010

(NEWS CENTER) -- The Internal Revenue Service and AARP are looking for volunteers to help Mainers file their tax returns.

Need at Hero? Be a Hero!

Volunteer Maine

VolunteerMaine.org is your one-stop source for volunteer information. It's a statewide link between agencies looking for volunteers and people interested in volunteering. Whether you're looking for a one-time opportunity or a weekly commitment, around the corner or around the state, VolunteerMaine.org has some great ideas for you.