Yes, Atlanta, there really are heroes out there.

In November 2009, the AJC put out a call for “Holiday Heroes,” and scores of nominations poured in over the course of one week.

Two hundred and twenty-five, to be precise.

The inspiring tales came from family, friends, co-workers and, in a couple of cases, strangers oh-so-politely butting in to laud some good deed they’d observed from a distance. The nominees ranged in age from 8 to 87 and extended helping hands as far away as Iraq and as close as the other side of the Thanksgiving dinner table.

This overwhelming response proved the holiday season doesn’t have any sort of monopoly on the spirit of giving. All year long, all around us, unsung heroes and Good Samaritans give selflessly of themselves, asking for nothing in return.

Whittled by a panel of AJC judges from the initial 225 nominees to a dozen of the most inspiring, those selected received a night’s stay at the Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta (downtown), and dinner at an area restaurant. These heroes hail from all over metro Atlanta and have landed here for widely varying reasons. But they all share one fine quality: To a man, woman (and child), they’re likely to insist they’re nothing special.

We very respectfully disagree.

-- Jill Vejnoska

HOLIDAY HEROES

Stephanie White: A recipe for giving

Rainy Chastine: A gift for wounded soldier, family

Mary Claire Freese: Runs book and clothing drives for two Gwinnett County nonprofits

Shaun King: Harnesses online giving

Mary Stevens: Quilts bring comfort to you cancer patients

Kris Bleiler: Clips coupons to buy groceries for needy families

Michelle Easley: Mentor encourages girls to set goals

Ginny Millner: Helping stray dogs find new homes

Robert Leathers: Provides center for kids at Capitol View Apartments

Annie Reid: 'Oprah of Scottdale' helps seniors, kids

Lorraine Copeland: Helping others get a new start on life

Mary Nelloms: Shares blessings to help the homeless