Heroes come in all sizes, shapes, ages and genders. Very few of them wear capes or iron suits. Most are people just like you and me but who have decided not to let time, money, politics or other people wear them down. The next time you feel frustrated or powerless in your community, think about Maisie DeVore of Eskridge, Kansas. You will undoubtedly feel better and you might even be inspired to make a difference.

Maisie wanted to help build a swimming pool for the kids in Eskridge. Over the years, the town could not muster the financial support needed to start construction. Maisie decided that her contribution would be to gather metal cans---soda, beer etc.---and take them to a recycling facility. Hour after hour, day after day, she could be seen picking up cans all over town, putting them in bags and loading them into the back of a pickup truck.

As one year grew to five and five to ten, some people began to worry. Her daughter was concerned for her mother's health, especially as she got older. Others, who were less kind, wondered if Maisie was losing control of her faculties. They even nicknamed her "Crazy Maisie".

Ten years became fifteen, fifteen became twenty. Maisie picked up more cans, crushed them in her garage and turned them in for a rebate. Twenty years became twenty-five and, finally, after almost thirty years of sacrifice, the Maisie DeVore Community Pool was opened. Maisie was 82 years old at the time of the ceremony in 2009.

Maisie was not elected to any office. She was not appointed to any commission or advisory board. She was just a nice lady living in the country who saw a substantial need and decided to do something about it. So the next time you think a situation is hopeless, consider sweet Maisie DeVore. I know you will feel better and you may even be inspired to make a difference.

Mark D. Kimball is Headmaster Emeritus of the Winston School in Del Mar, CA. After an innovative career as a leader in education, he is now retired and lives with his wife, Georgann, in Southern Nevada, where they both continue to be very optimistic golfers.