To say you are involved in a variety of activities at school, such as Science Olympiad, Math Team, Student Council, Varsity Field Hockey, and Varsity Lacrosse is a huge achievement and something to be extremely proud of. However, Maeve Farrell’s ability to demonstrate her efforts and passions exceeds outside her school community. 

Farrell seeks joy by providing support to local military heroes in the community. 

Established in the spring of 2023, Help For All Heroes is a non-profit organization established by Maeve Farrell with a mission to connect high schoolers and middle schoolers with volunteer opportunities to honor military heroes. 

These people have dedicated their lives and made remarkable sacrifices for United States citizens. In the few months of this organization’s existence, several high schoolers have already been connected with local events to give back to our community.

Farrell has always felt extremely grateful for first responders, veterans, and active military personnel and wanted to show her appreciation which inspired her to create this organization. She hopes that our nation “will always recognize those who have served our country and honor their bravery and sacrifice.”

Farrell comes from a long line of service in the military. Her grandfather was drafted in 1965 and trained at the same place his father and three uncles taught infantry in years past. 

Her uncle served both active and reserve in the Marine Corp from 1988 to 1999 and won multiple awards such as the National Defense Metal, Arctic Service Ribbon, and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. Due to their dedication to their country, Farrell has become committed to honor them and others who have sacrificed as well. 

During the week of Oct.15th, Farrell gave several LFHS students the opportunity to give back to the local military personnel by baking and donating cookies. 

There is an annual pumpkin patch hosted by the Midwest Veterans Closet allowing veterans and military members to bring their families, pick out a pumpkin, enjoy lunch, and take home a treat bag that comprises the cookies baked by the students.

“I was asked to gather enough cookies for 150 people so I reached out to my classes, friends, teammates, and Student Council members to see if they would help out. With the help of the wonderful people at our school, Help for All Heroes was able to give over 500 cookies to the event,” Farrell said.

As shown in her exceptional efforts put into this organization, Farrell truly has a spot in her heart for giving back to others. Farrell says her favorite part about helping those in the military is “seeing their joy when a young person, such as myself, recognizes their brave work.” 

Another event that has been organized through Help For All Heroes is Strut your Mutt. This was arranged in support of Canines 4 Comfort, which is an organization that connects trained support dogs with veterans.

Farrell believes that these “incredible people” have and will continue to sacrifice their own lives so that the country can be in a better and safer place.

“I am eternally grateful for all they have done, and I hope that giving back to the outstanding community shows my support for their brave work.”