Mike Hughes,
A Hero In Our Midst

Most days, Mike Hughes is a shipping manager, a carpenter, and an outdoorsman. But, because of his commitment to serving the Des Moines community, he has found ways, through service, to become a mentor, a shop teacher, a trail guide, and a role model for an Iowan teen.

Mike began serving in the Des Moines area over twenty years ago when he led a United Way program to install security measures in the homes of elderly Iowans. He also works with the Iowa Council for International Understanding to help facilitate the exchange of ideas and cultures between local businesses and the guests they host from overseas. And, for the past four years, Mike has devoted himself to improving the life of a Des Moines teenager through Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Four years ago, Mike was paired with his "Little," Alex, who was then twelve-years-old. Through trips to his lakeside cabin, bicycle trail rides, woodworking projects, and community service, Mike has become not only a stabilizing force for Alex, but also an adviser and a friend.

"When I chose Big Brothers Big Sisters, I never expected an award," said Mike. "I just wanted to do something helpful. And Alex is a solid kid, really solid. His mom does a great job with him. I just thought that, through volunteering, I could fill in some of the gaps that a single mom couldn't fill."

Together, Mike and Alex "have a great time doing ‘guy stuff' that Alex wouldn't have otherwise been able to do. Mike has developed an outstanding friendship with Alex and will forever be a part of his life," said Tony Leo, a match coordinator for Big Brothers Big Sisters Central Iowa.

Now in their fourth year together, Mike and Alex plan to ride all the bicycle trails in Iowa before Alex graduates from high school. "We're not there yet," Mike said. "We have quite a few left to do. But we have some time left this year, and we both really enjoy it."

Mike is also teaching Alex about woodwork and carpentry. Most recently, Mike and Alex carved a chair for Alex's mother's birthday.

Since his introduction to Hughes, Alex's grades have improved, and he is now enrolled in several accelerated classes at school. "Alex is more self-confident, can better express his feelings, has a better attitude toward school, and has a greater sense of his future," said Leo.

Already, Mike's involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters has inspired several around him to join several Des Moines volunteer organizations. "That's one of the most rewarding elements of service, I think—seeing others who respond and want to give back."

For his extraordinary commitment to Alex and to connecting with others in his community, Heroes In Our Midst hosted an awards ceremony for him at the Ringling Bros. and Barnum + Bailey circus on September 28th. Alex, representatives from Big Brothers Big Sisters Central Iowa, and other community members presented cards to Mike to express their gratitude for his service. "I give greeting cards all the time. It's a great way to show people that someone cares," Mike said. "Now that I'm the one getting them, it's great."

Heroes In Our Midst asks that people touched by Mike's commitment to connecting with his community send cards to:

Mike Hughes
Big Brothers Big Sisters Central Iowa
9051 Swanson Boulevard
Clive, Iowa 50325