URBANA— The founder of Toys for Troops has been selected as the winner of General Motors' "Our Town, Our Heroes" program.
According to General Motors spokesman Fred Ligouri, Lori Stewart of Urbana received 53 percent of more than 1,500 votes cast on DrivingtheMidwest.com
Ligouri said the "Our Town, Our, Heroes" program recognizes "unsung heroes who inspire and empower others in their local community."
Stewart founded Toys for Troops, a care package program for soldiers overseas, after her son was deployed in 2007.
"Lori exhibits the type of tenacity only few special people have," North Central Region Communications Manager Brian Goebel said in a written release. "She has the ability to motivate her community and turn words in to action. We join the Champaign-Urbana community in celebrating a true hero."
Both Stewart and the woman who nominated her, Laura Bleill, will receive a one-week loan of a Chevrolet vehicle and a full tank of gas.
In addition, Stewart will receive a $500 gift card.
Congratulations, Lori!! You certainly deserve this and much, much more. What a wonderful person my cousin is. Now, let's all give Lori a donation for Toys For Troops!!
Great job, Lori!