HOMETOWN HERO: AMBER HALL

They are there when you need them.  A calm, cool, collected voice on the other end of the line.  911 Communicators are usually the first, First Responders in times of crisis...expertly accessing the situation, keeping callers focused and providing instruction…often in life-threatening situations.  It’s not an easy job and not everyone has what it takes.  Amber Hall has what it takes.  She is good at her job.  She is well-liked and respected by her peers.  But the reason she was nominated for the hometown hero award is for something she does above and beyond the call of duty.
 

In 2011, Amber Hall founded a non-profit named  “Lovie Central”.

Lovie Central loves on the children who live at the Urban Ministries shelter in downtown Durham.

For those of you who don't know....that's the Homeless Shelter.

Most of the kids at the shelter have lived all their lives in places where domestic violence, drugs,  and gang activity are an everyday fact of life.  Their trust has been violated.  Love and acceptance always has strings attached.

That's where Lovie Central comes in.

Twice a year, sometimes more, Lovie Central throws a party at the shelter.  Each child receives a stuffed animal that has a handmade security blanket, a hat, and even a scarf and other extras. They also give them care packages that includes personal hygiene products and even a toy or two.

Through Amber and others who participate in “Lovie Central” these young children learn that there are nice, giving, and loving people who care about them.

Amber gives abundantly of herself and her own resources to love on these kids.  She accepts donations but most of the money to pay for the work of Lovie Central comes straight out of her pocket.

She considers it a small price to pay to be able to go and love on children who so desperately need to know that they are loved.

It is for this reason that Emergency Chaplains is delighted to present the Hometown Hero Award to Amber Hall.  Thank you Amber for everything you are doing for our community and most of all for the unconditional love you show these children.