Wadsworth woman awarded new car after being named Mazda’s “Hero of the Year”

BRUNSWICK, Ohio — ‘Tis the season! Christmas got here a bit early for one Northeast Ohio hero. 

Laurie Beal of Wadsworth was named the 2020 Mazda “Hero of the yr.” Beal runs the nonprofit, Youth for Christ, and determined to unfold her angel wings just a bit wider this yr. She initially created Youth for Christ to give attention to offering necessities to teen mother and father in want of additional assist, however all through the pandemic, Laurie tailored her mannequin to make sure teenagers and different weak communities would nonetheless obtain a lot wanted care and necessities. 

She bought a small, gutted camper and outfitted it with provides to distribute at homeless camps — all the pieces from blankets and heat clothes to sleeping luggage. She even provides free haircuts.

In honor of its 100th anniversary, Mazda determined to focus on work being carried out throughout the US to uplift communities and Laurie was chosen as their Northeast Ohio Mazda Hero. And her reward? A model new Mazda Miata 100th anniversary particular version. 

God has been on the transfer within the Youth For Christ motion within the 2010s! And it’s not over but! We’re nonetheless dreaming about methods to maintain the momentum going that was began within the early 2010s. #YFCUSA #YFC75th pic.twitter.com/xWQA6ulmMW

— Cleveland YFC (@ClevelandYFC) October 3, 2019