As Mainers gather to give thanks today, the blessings extend beyond the bounty tabled before them or even the reaffirmation of family bonds as relatives reunite.
Thankfully, there are people who look beyond their own table, their own family, to that broader community of humanity that, without them, would be diminished.
Here are 10 people for whom we are thankful as they work diligently, often without recognition, to comfort, protect, nurture and inspire, and so make our world a better place.
Peggy Lynch, 41, of Old Orchard BeachThe Old Orchard Beach resident is being recognized for her work as an Outreach Worker at Preble Street in Portland.
Claude Rwaganje, 45, of PortlandDirector of Community Financial Literacy helps immigrants and refuges better their lives through financial knowledge.
Joan Sheedy, 77, of PortlandShe coordinates squadrons of volunteers with the Senior Snow Shoevling Project to make winter easier on locals.
Dr. Reed Quinn, 57, of CumberlandThe founder of the Maine Foundation for Pediatric Cardiac Surgery helps hundreds of children get needed surgeries at no cost.
Carole and Bob Leone, 61 and 59, of EdgecombThe Edgecomb couple created Teens to Trails to share their love of the outdoors with Maine's younger generation.
Myrna Cook, of South PortlandMy Sister's Keeper, which she founded in 1999, aids female inmates after their release from jail.
Don Simoneau, 60, of FayetteFayette resident soldiers on to recognize veterans with graveside flags and an upgraded World War II memorial.
Nancy Oden, of JonesboroEnvironmental activist has taken a stand against pesticides and toxic chemicals, making Maine a safer place to live.
Victoria Pabst, 17, of WestbrookWestbrook High student became a role model on Twitter and no longer dreads school after standing up to bullies.
Rev. Jeff McIlwain, 54, of PortlandVolunteer brings hope and change to prisoners as the chaplain for the Cumberland County Jail.