How we help
We are honored to ensure all proceeds stay in Nacogdoches County serving our local Heroes.
Many thanks to all contributors who make our work possible.
Below are the heartfelt stories of HEROES and their families, forever impacted by the compassion and generosity of our benefactors
Meet Harold Renfro—a U.S. Army veteran who continues to serve his community in one of the sweetest ways possible: as Santa Claus!
Harold first began playing Santa at the local animal shelter, where he posed for photos and helped raise money. Before long, Santa Harold became a familiar and much-loved face at community events and fundraisers. Today, he and his wife, Diane—affectionately known as Mrs. Claus—spread Christmas cheer together, bringing smiles and joy to children and families throughout our community.
Harold is a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and there’s nothing he enjoys more than seeing a child’s face light up. He is known for his kindness, generosity, and willingness to encourage others to reach out when they need a helping hand.
Recently, Harold’s truck needed some help of its own. When the windows and air conditioning stopped working and he didn’t have the means to make the repairs, word of his situation reached the Nacogdoches HERO Foundation.
We were honored to step in and help get Santa’s air conditioning working again. After all, we all know how hot a Texas summer can be—and we certainly couldn’t have Santa melting before Christmas!
Harold’s story is such a beautiful reminder that even those who spend their lives giving to others sometimes need someone to give back to them.
The Nacogdoches HERO Foundation is honored to stand behind our local veterans, first responders, and their families—offering a helping hand when they need it most.
We are grateful for people like Harold and Diane who continue to make our community a little brighter, one smile at a time.
Meet Loretta Windsor James — U.S. Army Veteran
For Loretta, a life of service didn’t end when she left the military. It has continued through the way she has cared for others, persevered through difficult seasons, and remained committed to helping those around her.
Loretta joined the Army Reserve in 1985 and later served on active duty from 1988 to 1996. Much of her military service was spent in Germany, where she worked as a unit clerk, helping soldiers with personnel, financial, and medical needs. Coming from a family with a proud tradition of military service, taking care of others has always been an important part of who Loretta is.
After leaving the military, Loretta faced significant health challenges and, more recently, underwent back surgery after years of waiting for treatment. During this difficult season, she was also facing a major problem at home—a roof that desperately needed to be replaced.
With her health and finances making it impossible to secure financing for the project, Loretta wasn’t sure where to turn.
A visit to the local Veterans Service Office connected Loretta with the Nacogdoches HERO Foundation. After learning about her circumstances, the Foundation was honored to provide assistance with replacing the roof on her home.
For Loretta, it meant much more than a new roof. It meant relief, security, and one less thing to worry about while she focused on healing and getting back on her feet.
And perhaps the sweetest part of Loretta’s story is what she hopes to do when she is feeling better. She wants to volunteer with the HERO Foundation and help other people in the same community that reached out and helped her.
That is the heart of the HERO Foundation.
It’s about standing beside the people who have spent their lives serving others—and reminding them that when they need a helping hand, they don’t have to face it alone.
Loretta’s story is a beautiful example of the cycle of service: those who have served being cared for, finding hope during a difficult season, and then looking forward to serving others once again.
We are honored to have been a small part of Loretta’s journey and grateful for the opportunity to give back to someone who has given so much.
Jimmy and Wanda Ragsdale have dedicated their lives to serving others with humility and compassion.
Jimmy spent 33 years at Moore’s Business Forms before working 14 years as an EMT and dispatcher at Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital. He helped establish the Loco Valley Fire Department, serving as fire chief, and has spent over 30 years as Assistant Fire Chief of the Woden Volunteer Fire Department. In 2019, he was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer.
Wanda devoted her career to early childhood education, student teaching for 15 years at Brooks Jones Kindergarten, then working with Early Head Start. She later earned a Master’s in Early Childhood Development but was forced to retire early due to complications from lupus.
Married for nearly 50 years, Jimmy and Wanda remain pillars of their community.
Transforming Lives: NHF Completes ADA-Compliant Bathroom for U.S. Navy Veteran
7/9/2024
The NHF is incredibly proud to have completed a life-changing project for U.S. Navy Veteran Mr. Cox from Nacogdoches County, Texas. Our team, with the exceptional work of Cordova Construction Co., completely renovated and rebuilt an ADA-compliant bathroom, giving Mr. Cox the ability to fully access and use his bathroom for the first time since becoming wheelchair-bound. This was our first major undertaking, and words cannot express how fulfilling it is to make such a profound difference in the life of one of our nation’s heroes. We are deeply grateful to Cordova Construction Co. for their dedication and craftsmanship in bringing this project to life. Being able to give back to someone who has sacrificed so much for our country is an honor that we will carry with us always.
A Helping Hand for a Hero: Mr. Elton Cox
5/16/2024
We are proud to share the story of Mr. Elton Cox, a U.S. Navy veteran from Nacogdoches, who was wheelchair-bound and faced challenges with mobility when traveling. Thanks to the generous collaboration between the Nacogdoches Hero Foundation, Dennis Taylor at Collectible Cars, and the team at Ed’s Muffler and Brake Service, we were able to provide Mr. Cox and his wife with a Mobility Chair lift, complete with hitch installation.
This contribution now enables Mr. Cox and his family to take necessary trips with ease and comfort, and we are grateful to everyone involved in making this meaningful difference in their lives.
Honoring the Life and Service of Sgt. Terry Singleton
10/31/2023
Terry Singleton, a retired Police Sergeant with the Nacogdoches Police Department passed away on October 23, 2023. Sgt. Singleton dedicated 19 years of his life to the NPD and also served 12 honorable years with the U.S. Border Patrol. In a recent newspaper article, Terry was called “an excellent officer, a credit to the department and to mankind itself.”
In recognition of his service and commitment to protecting our community, his family was nominated as a beneficiary of the Nacogdoches Hero Foundation. With great respect, we were honored to assist his family by covering the funeral expenses of this brave and selfless law enforcement officer.
Sgt. Singleton’s legacy of service will not be forgotten, and our thoughts remain with his family.
Sgt. Singleton’s obituary: http://www.lairdfh.net/obituary/Terry-Singleton
In Memory of Doyle Alford: A Life of Service
08/19/2024
We are saddened to share the passing of Doyle Alford, who left us on August 15, 2024, at the age of 45. Doyle served as a dedicated correctional officer with the Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office, where his commitment to his duties was deeply valued. Before joining the Sheriff’s office, Alford worked as a teacher for the Chireno ISD and the Nacogdoches ISD.
Nacogdoches County Sheriff Jason Bridges said “Doyle lived a life of service to others as a teacher and a jailer, and we were proud to have him with us. He will be missed.” In honor of his service, the NCSO had the privilege of serving as Honorary Pallbearers at his memorial.
Doyle’s family was nominated and graciously approved by the Nacogdoches Hero Foundation to receive financial support, covering all of his funeral expenses. It was an honor for us to provide this assistance to the family during such a difficult time.
Doyle Alford obituary: https://www.carrowayfuneralhome.com/obituary/doyle-alford
Supporting a Dedicated Public Servant: James Barclay
8/16/2024
August 2024 was a challenging month for our local Sheriff’s Office. Alongside the loss of Doyle Alford, long-time jailer and valued employee James Barclay was faced with the difficult decision to take a medical retirement. After battling a series of health issues, James was forced to retire early, and during this transition, he experienced a lapse in income, leading to mounting bills.
Recognizing the family’s hardship, Sheriff Jason Bridges brought a request to the Nacogdoches Hero Foundation board, asking for financial assistance to help will the gap. Without hesitation, the NFH executive board of directors responded. The Nacogdoches Hero Foundation was immensely proud to step in and support James and his family in their time of need.
When Sheriff Bridges presented the check to Mr. Barclay and his wife, their gratitude was overwhelming. The immediate relief and comfort that the support provided was evident, and it was a moment of heartfelt thanks shared by all.
Supporting Our Own: NHF Assists Garrison Volunteer Firefighter After Housefire
6/13/2024
In 2024, a Nacogdoches County Volunteer Firefighter tragically lost their home in a house fire. The Nacogdoches Hero Foundation stepped in to assist during this difficult time, partnering with Lilly Sanitation to provide roll-off dumpsters for the clean-up of the damaged structure. Additionally, we facilitated the installation of a temporary water line to the family’s RV, helping them restore a sense of normalcy as they rebuild. It is our privilege to support one of our own in their time of need, just as they have served our community.
Join our mailing list
Stay up-to-date with our spotlight events and announcements.