In FOCUS - Lisa Cox

Lisa Cox. Born and raised right here in Hancock County, a few miles outside of Newell, West Virginia. She’s watched generations grow, seasons change, and traditions take root. All while giving her time, heart and hands to help others.

Lisa describes herself as a Full Time Volunteer. Lisa tries her best to lend a hand, ear or shoulder whenever and wherever she can. She learned that ‘kindness’ trait from her parents George and Nancy. Lisa says that growing up – she remembers their home was always open. She took to heart the best advice her Dad ever gave her: ‘Help where you can.’ If you know Lisa, you know that’s 100% true. In every corner where help is needed, you’ll find Lisa. Quietly (well, sometimes) weaving hope into the fabric of our community. From time helping out with Sheriff Reserves, to time spent as Vice President of the Newell Community Improvement Coalition, to a Superintendent position at Laurel Hollow Park. Showing up when ‘enough’ still isn’t enough. Her service isn’t about recognition’ it’s about responsibility – the kind that comes from loving a place so deeply, you’re always ready to roll up your sleeves for it. Lisa reminds us that being a good neighbor isn’t just about where you live – it’s about how you live.

Lisa is also a Certified Instructor for Project Lifesaver. Project Lifesaver is the world’s most recognized and trusted special-needs search & rescue program. Training and equipping first responders and others to quickly locate people who wander and go missing due to cognitive conditions. Lisa helps others help those with Dementia, Alzheimer’s, Autism, Down Syndrome or similar wandering tendencies. Project Lifesaver is a program that utilizes specially designed transmitters and radio frequencies to locate those impaired individuals who have wandered away from their safe place. Thousands of  searches have been conducted nationwide with a 100% success rate. All persons have been recovered alive. Impressive. Lisa’s work with Project Lifesaver is more than a position – it’s a promise kept to every family searching for peace. It’s what true dedication looks like and is another piece of the interesting puzzle that makes up Lisa.

Lisa is not used to talking about herself. She’s a humble person by nature. But when asked what positive contribution she has made in the world, Lisa shares that her positive contribution is being the Newell Grinch. What started as putting on a costume to wave at cars and brighten spirits in 2020 (. . . that strange Covid year, the year the world stood still – marked by silence, distance and uncertainty) has turned into a very busy Christmas Season. She says that the joy she gets from watching children and adults get so excited to see the Grinch is overwhelming. And well worth wearing that very hot suit! She brings out the biggest smiles from the little ones all the way to Senior citizens. With every sly wink, dramatic stomp, armpit sniff, and candy cane snatch, Lisa draws laughter from crowds of all ages! That ornery green guy is very relatable, allows them to relax, and maybe even be a little mischievous themselves.

You know someone’s special when they manage to be the most miserable character in Whoville … and still become the most beloved in town. Here’s to Lisa – our Newell Grinch- whose heart may pretend to be two sizes too small, but who shows up every season with joy too big to measure. Beneath the green fur and grumpy antics is someone who gives generously of their time, energy, and heart to keep our holiday spirit alive. In the end, the magic isn’t in the costume – it’s in the person who makes the Grinch unforgettable year after year.  Lisa’s Grinch reminds us that even the crankiest hearts can grow three sizes when surrounded by community joy. Thank you Lisa, for turning mischief into magic.

Lisa doesn’t volunteer for applause. She volunteers because she sees possibilities where others see shortage. Her gift is her presence: In Lisa’s world, kindness isn’t a headline; it’s the daily weather. And our community is undeniably sunnier because Lisa Cox resides here. Thank you, Lisa, for proving that kindness isn’t an act, but a way of living.