This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, Aug. 26, 2013 - Dobbie Herrion, 36, was driving around a few months ago and saw a group of basketball players using a hoop that did not have a net.
"As a basketball player myself, I know what it feels like to play without a net," Herrion said.
The next day, he bought a new net and put it up there.
That single action led to the start of Neighborhood Nets, an organization he founded just two months ago. It aims to bring pride back to playgrounds by putting new basketball nets on hoops that need them throughout the city and, eventually, the nation.
Despite the fact that the organization is so new, it has already been featured on a local television station and has gained the support of sponsors.
"I really have to give credit to God for the momentum," Herrion said. "Who builds an entire organization on putting up nets?"
Herrion is committed to serving his community and hopes that others will see the value in making a diffference instead of just looking to make a dollar.
"I hope other people will see it doesn't take a lot of money, time, energy, or effort to really make a difference in your community," he said. "Just do something small and see where it goes."
Small gestures got a big reward Wednesday at the Harold J. Evangelista Park.
Allstate Insurance Co. surprised Herrion with one of three national titles of Champion for Good, part of its Give It Up For Good campaign that recognizes unsung heroes who are devoted to giving back to their community.
Herrion will join the other Champions for Good in Orlando, Fla., on Labor Day at the Allstate Tom Joyner Family Reunion. There, they will take part in a live Twitter chat celebrating stories of good in various communities.
Chelsea Embree is a Beacon intern.