They claim that the most amazing event to have occurred in this area occurred in September 1963 when a mystery foreign young man paid a visit to his sister, Louise, whose husband was employed in local mining.
Louise has a 20-year-old brother. in a group. During his visit, he also played a little guitar with several residents of Benton.
George Harrison was his name.
He returned to America five months later, in February 1964. He brought three pals this time.
However, the most amazing event that has ever occurred here still occurs. Each day. In fact, it happens so frequently that it’s simply seen as normal in the community. It’s just Greg being Greg, elegantly, but simply.
Greg Poole, 41, has been a lifetime fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and has amassed a sizable collection of baseball cards and memorabilia. In addition to operating the well-known Can’s Can business online, he also sells specialty card packs at the Cardinals team store in Busch Stadium.
Poole has used the business to raise $700,000 throughout the years.
Additionally, he gave his community all $700,000.
Poole chuckled and remarked, “My 10-year-old daughter says it’s the worst business plan ever.” “He doesn’t make any money,” she says to others.
Poole isn’t wealthy. He is a network manager for a special education co-op in this town in Southern Illinois, 100 miles from St. Louis, and his wife, Courtney, is a special education teacher. He has a strong desire to serve, nevertheless, and does it with enthusiasm, consistently, and occasionally in secret, much like Santa Claus (with the exception of his reddish-brown bushy beard).
Jenna Janello, a kindergarten teacher in Benton, stated, “What makes Greg’s efforts so special is how rare it is for one person to give so much, simply out of generosity.” He exhibits a charitable spirit. And it really does have a long-lasting impact.
How, then, does Poole invest the money in Benton and the 120-mile-wide, primarily rural region?
He provides free school materials to instructors from a center in a room next to his store. Backpacks, books, headphones, and personal hygiene items are available for pupils of all grades. Of course, there are also packs of baseball cards since “that was what I loved growing up,” Poole added.
In fact, it appears to be a little Target, but once more, everything is free. Teachers show up on the days they are supposed to. Additionally, he has given to 60 school districts’ 700 classrooms.
He offers resources for underprivileged community members in a separate room, “from birth to 103, that’s our oldest,” Poole stated. “There simply aren’t many social service activities in our area anymore.”
As a result, Poole decided to supply everything from winter jackets, toys, and diapers for children, as well as blankets, laundry soap, and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos—”our No. 1 requested snack from seniors”—for an elderly population.
Additionally, Poole found that many elderly residents of a nearby assisted living facility were required to supply their own toilet paper, so he gave it top priority.
It’s all free. It’s all free.
In addition, he has made Christmas experiences for people of all ages, brought food to the poor, and bought beds for foster children.
“We want to never say ‘no,'” Poole stated. And we want them to maintain their dignity regardless of who we are serving. Yes. Therefore, we attempt to serve them without drawing too much attention to it, even if I don’t break into houses or sneak in chimneys like Santa.
If a specific child needs a bike, Poole will occasionally purchase one, give it to a teacher, and ask the instructor to select the designated child’s name from a bowl of names.
Alternatively, Poole will ask the waiter to cover the person’s tab if he sees them eating alone at a restaurant.
Julie Patrick, a high school teacher who initially learned about Poole as the famous cupcake baker for a specific fundraiser, said, “I reached out to him about a kiddo that just was walking down the hall in these shoes that are literally falling apart.” “And he says, ‘Yes, I am capable of doing that.'” He got the shoes to that youngster and had them mailed straight to my high school with my name on them.
According to him, his wife’s special needs pupils sort and package the card packs that are sold at Busch Stadium, teaching them life and work skills. One card with an autograph or an actual game-used relic is included in each pack.
Poole’s packets were sold throughout the stadium with the enthusiastic assistance of Linda Johnson of the Cardinals. $30 each. Additionally, $17.50 immediately goes into Poole’s fund so that he can purchase resources and things.
He achieved his goal of selling 500 packets this season by the All-Star break.
It’s basically constant philanthropic work.
Helping others is Poole’s life’s work.
Therefore, the idea that he attempted suicide at one point seems overpowering.
Poole always liked cards and the Cards as a youngster. His favorite player was Willie McGee. I also adored Ozzie. and even Bo Hart’s heart. As a boy, Poole also played a lot of ball. He’s one of those individuals who simply “gets” baseball—its culture, history, intricacy, and simplicity.
In the rear of his store, surrounded by baseball memorabilia, he remarked, “I mean, you can’t not be romantic about baseball.”
However, his early years were ruined.
“Abused sexually,” Poole claimed. Between around six and fifteen… by a friend of the family. There was a lot of trauma growing up. Collectibles and baseball were truly a form of escape.
In 2000, Poole turned sixteen.
According to Poole, “suicide became an option.” “Your wiring is messed up by sexual abuse.” Therefore, it was a means of escape. When you say that, it sounds frigid. However, that was the only method I was aware of at the time. For example, you just don’t discuss (sexual abuse). Approaching your parents is quite difficult, particularly if you’re a lad. And 25 years ago, a different world, things aren’t as open. It seemed like a dishonorable thing.
Poole, a high school student at the time, participated in a “Meals on Wheels” program. He even raised money to buy some charity dinners by selling baseball cards. It was among his final actions prior to his suicide attempt.
According to Poole, “I started anew in October 2000 after it didn’t succeed.” Therefore, the 25th anniversary is almost approaching.
There was an epiphany rather than an epitaph.
He understood that the cards he collected as a youngster may result in more food and merchandise for other people.
He remarked, “I still had boxes of cards left.” “I thought that’s why I’m here, to try to do as much good as I could while I was here,” the speaker said.
He mentioned Jimmy Stewart’s George Bailey from “It’s A Wonderful Life” as a distinct Christmas figure when narrating his narrative.
In 2000, Poole’s first significant philanthropic purchase was a pair of tires for a local elderly woman. He continues to give.
According to Poole, who had good experiences with therapy and interacting with others, “this has been a journey for me.” And telling our stories is a part of talking about what we do to help others. There is a stigma because we are men. Since then, many others have been in touch. “Hey, same thing (happened to me)” they say. It’s hardly an elite club, you know. However, no one discusses it. Therefore, using that platform is a part of what we do.
He is an inspiration and a survivor.
He has a gene for generosity.
Seven hundred thousand bucks. To his community, all.
It’s amazing.
Poole remarked, “I hate to say ‘I,'” while highlighting the selfless assistance of his and his wife’s families. Additionally, we never attempt to beat our own drum.
Now, let me pretend to be Ringo Starr.
