Joe Ley was honored this week as a “Hero in the Making” by the Minnesota Timberwolves President, Chris Wright at the game on Dec. 16.  Joe  is a 24- year -old guy who is intent on making a difference. While working on a Masters Degree at Minnesota State Mankato in Communication Studies, he chose to take a non-profit leadership course, which led him to Cheerful Givers. Because Joe was eager to help with whatever was needed, he began by picking up boxes of donated toys and delivering them to a school where teens with disabilities put them into birthday bags.  

 Joe also helped out recently at a Birthday Bag event at the H.P. Fuller Company where employees filled 1,000 birthday bags, and he commented  “It is a pretty amazing  thought, when you stop and realize the impact the bags are having on those children. I think this is by far the most gratifying experience I’ve had; the fact that I’m a part of something bigger. Im a part of an organization that is truly impacting the lives of children.”

 In addition to volunteering for Cheerful Givers, Joe recently ran his first marathon which he said was an incredible experience and is involved with hockey Ministries. As part of his masters program, he is teaching public speaking in the under grad program and absolutely loves it.  In August, he married his best friend, Katie. As to the future, Joe says “Right now I’m  enjoying life, and letting the Lord lead me where he wants me.  I look forward to seeing where life goes, and where my time with Cheerful Givers takes me.”

Congratulations Joe on some well-deserved recognition!

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