Nuvision Heroes: Carol S Reminds Us What Community Really Means

At Nuvision, we believe heroes aren’t just the ones we read about in history books—they’re also the everyday people who step up to make their communities stronger. This month, we’re proud to recognize Carol S, a Pleasanton, CA Branch member whose generosity and decades of volunteer service show exactly what it means to care for others.

A Lifetime of Giving Back

At 78, Carol has built a legacy of service that stretches back decades. A member of Nuvision (and formerly SafeAmerica) for 54 years, she has spent much of her life-giving time, energy, and heart to causes close to her.

Carol raised two daughters with her late husband in a home filled with books, family traditions, and an expectation that you do your part for your community. That belief guided her in everything from reading aloud to her daughters’ classrooms, to volunteering at a food pantry, to working in a charity shop that helped support local animal rescues. She also spent 27 years working in a bookstore, which gave her a natural way to combine her love of literacy with her love of serving others.

Books became a central theme in her volunteer life. She supported Friends of the Library programs, encouraged parents to read aloud at home, and even set up a Little Free Library in her front yard so kids could discover new stories any time they wanted. “I grew up with books,” she told us. “My father used to read aloud to me—Jules Verne, Robert Louis Stevenson, the classics. That time together gave me a passion for reading, and I carried it on with my daughters and in the community.”

Her story shows how volunteering isn’t always about one big effort. Sometimes it’s about weaving small acts of kindness into everyday life. From helping at school events to packing food pantry bags each week, Carol has always looked for simple, meaningful ways to lift others up.

Stepping Up for NuvisionCares

That same spirit came through this year when Carol heard about Nuvision’s Bay Area Clothing Drive supporting White Pony Express. The campaign asked members to donate clothing essentials for kids heading back to school. For Carol, it struck a chord—she immediately thought about her daughters and the things they needed growing up, from new socks to warm jackets.

When she saw how easy it was to shop directly from the clothing drive’s Amazon list and send items that were most needed, she jumped in without hesitation. In fact, Carol ended up purchasing a majority of the items on the donation list, ensuring that dozens of local children and families had the basics they needed to start the school year with confidence.

“It just seemed like such a worthwhile cause,” Carol said. “I hope the kids feel that people care about them—even people they don’t know. Everyone should be able to walk into school without worrying about whether they have underwear, socks, or other basics. You want kids to enjoy school, not feel left out because of what they don’t have.”

What struck us most about Carol’s involvement wasn’t just the size of her gift, but the way she approached it—with thoughtfulness and personal connection. She didn’t just click items at random; she imagined her own daughters at that age, remembered the little things that made a difference for them, and then chose with that same care for children she may never meet.

For Carol, it wasn’t about recognition or thanks—it was about making sure a child could feel seen, cared for, and ready to take on the school year.

Giving with Heart and Intention

What Carol has shown through her story is something we believe deeply at Nuvision: communities only grow stronger when people look out for one another. She didn’t just buy clothes for children in need—she thought about what it would mean for a child to walk into school with socks that fit, or to not have to worry about whether they had the basics every kid deserves. Those little things can make a huge difference in a child’s confidence, and that confidence carries into how they learn, how they connect with others, and how they see themselves.

“You get back much more than you put in because you’re working with people… it feels good to do that. It just makes your life richer.” – Carol Schweppe

Carol also reminds us that giving back doesn’t have to be complicated. It doesn’t require a grand gesture or a large amount of money—it starts with a simple willingness to help. Whether it was reading aloud to kids in a classroom, packing bags at a food pantry, or setting up a box of free books outside her home, Carol has spent a lifetime proving that even small actions can ripple outward.

At Nuvision, we see that same spirit in so many of our members, and it’s why we continue to invest in programs like our NuvisionCares drives. When members like Carol step forward, it not only impacts those receiving the help—it inspires others to look around and ask, “What can I do?”

That’s why Carol’s story matters. It’s not just about what she gave, but about the reminder that kindness is contagious. One person’s decision to act can spark a chain of generosity that keeps spreading.

Thank You, Carol

We’re grateful for members like Carol who live out the values of service, kindness, and care every day. Her story shows that no matter your age or circumstances, you can always find ways to give back.

For 90 years, Nuvision’s mission has been built on trust, care, and confidence—and heroes like Carol remind us why that mission is worth carrying forward.