In 2023, the Love La Mirada community service organization invited city residents to submit a nomination for a ‘Neighborhood Hero’ award, which would honor members of the community who are living out the organization’s mission to see “neighbors serving La Mirada together”.
On December 12, the board of Love La Mirada voted on Patty Miller as the recipient for a Neighborhood Hero award for her work in creating, purchasing, and installing “Buddy Benches” at La Mirada elementary schools. Buddy Benches are a safe place where kids can sit when they need a friend. The idea behind Buddy Benches is to provide a place where children or teachers can sit to give and or offer encouragement. Miller received a gift certificate to Mexico 1900 restaurant. This project was fulfilled with the help of the Kiwanis club and the donation of other sponsors.
Appointed as President of La Mirada Kiwanis in October 2022, one of Millers personal projects was the Buddy Bench project. She presented the idea to fellow Kiwanians, and then did the research to get the benches at the best quality and price. Presenting her idea to local businesses, Miller was able to raise enough funding for six benches.
The board of Love La Mirada invites other nominations for the ‘Neighborhood Hero’ award. The board will accept any nomination and review the application. Love La Mirada will be granting an award each month in 2024.
If you know someone who is upholding the ideal of neighbors serving neighbors together, please submit your application at lovelamirada.com.
By GREG STUMP – LOVE LA MIRADA
