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Today we give thanks.

Not just for the individual blessings, but for friends and neighbors who have been a blessing to our community in varying ways during the past year.

Here is a Thanksgiving sampler of the region's quiet community angels.

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The Eureka Park tennis courts were falling apart. But the folks who play there didn't just sit back and gripe. They documented their case, using photographs to chronicle overgrown grass, cracks in the court and problems with lighting. Wearing T-shirts printed for the occasion, about 20 of them went before the Roanoke City Council with an impressive case that council members couldn't ignore. Earlier this month, the tennis players and city officials unveiled newly paved courts. Just goes to show that working with city hall sometimes rather than fighting it can yield results amenable to everyone.

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At personal risk, Lespia King taught us that one person willing to speak out against wrong in the workplace can make a difference. Her sexual harassment lawsuit against former Roanoke Sheriff George McMillan opened a floodgate of startling accusations and led to a court victory. King's courage showed us it only takes one.

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Sabrina Reed was an angel in life. In death, her legacy is a beacon for domestic violence survivors. Reed's name graces a safe haven called Sabrina's Place. It was created this year for domestic violence victims to bring their children for court-ordered supervised visitation. It also serves as a neutral exchange point for parents picking up children for visitation. Reed's death at the hands of her estranged husband should not be in vain.

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Ruth Farmer and Margaret Mitchell are affectionately known as the vampire ladies around St. Philip Lutheran Church in Roanoke. Twice a year, they coordinate the American Red Cross' largest public blood drive in the 46-county region. The ladies invited me to their spring drive and helped me -- and hopefully others -- see that donating blood is a painless act that saves the lives of others.

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The Foundation for Roanoke Valley is a quiet catalyst for more than 250 well-off individuals and families who wish to do good in Southwest Virginia long after they're gone. These people create endowments that benefit the community forever. Through the foundation these benefactors funnel more than $2 million a year to worthy programs in the valley. Their legacy teaches children to read, provides hospice care and buys medicine for the elderly.

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In the realm of sports, we thank Damon and Ramon Williams, former William Fleming High School and Virginia Military Institute basketball standouts, who use sports as a catalyst to inspire young people to success. And a nod to former Patrick Henry High School alum Curtis Blair, whose successful quest to become an NBA referee this year reminds us that dreams do come true -- with hard work.

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Peter and Carla Lewis are the Roanoke region's "first couple" of children. At Apple Ridge Farm in Floyd County, Peter, a veteran educator, thinks outside the classroom. He has hit upon a formula that mixes academics with nature and shows children that learning can be fun. Back in the city, Carla has a dedicated following of young children in whom she has instilled a love for reading at the Gainsboro Library.

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Linguist Betty Price has shown children that reading is fundamental to their future success. For decades, Price has transformed struggling students into confident adults by removing the mystery of language. For all of them, we say, "Thank you, 'Boop.' "

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On a personal note, I am thankful for new friends: Marshall, Annette, Hazel, Debra and Phil, and old ones: Dan, Miss D, "Poochie" and Mary. I'm thankful for my family: my Little Sister, my real little sister who is the family rock, my brother who has stepped up in unimaginable ways this year and my mother whose sacrifices for us I'm beginning to fully appreciate.

I love you and will see you real soon.