By Jessica Root
Intern Reporter for the Tribune
intern@lstribune.net
Twin Lakes Insurance Agency, located on 608 SW Third Street, was founded nearly 30 years ago by John Smith. Today, the three generation business is owned by John’s son, Mike Smith. Both Mike and John have given back to the Lee’s Summit community in numerous ways over the years.
Perhaps it all started when John joined the Lee’s Summit Police Reserve unpaid in 1964. He noticed that the Lee’s Summit police force was lacking, and he wanted to do his part. Among many other community services he participated in, John was a reserve police officer for 20 years. John’s random acts of kindness inspired his son to do the same.
At LSW, the football team has Thursday Night Feedings before each Friday night game. Mike’s three sons each played Titan Football over the years, and each time it was his turn to host the Thursday Night Feeding, the boys requested a breakfast meal. Mike cooked dozens of eggs, bacon and sausage for the hearty football boys.
“The bigger the task the more Mike enjoys it,” John said. “He’s the top of the pack for a guy who cares about his community.”
Over the past few years, Mike has donated nearly 500 turkeys combined to needy families around the area. He cooks them in his stainless steel commercial BBQ grill during the holiday season, and then area churches pick them up to deliver them.
“Mike goes above and beyond public duty to give so much in public service,” John said.
John himself still gives back to the community today by mowing his neighbor’s yard.
“It’s just wonderful,” John said. “I always felt good doing something for someone else.”
John’s generous behavior had a positive impact on Mike growing up, and Lee’s Summit is grateful to have such caring men in the community.
This week’s Character Patrol is brought to you by John Smith, and it was originally meant to focus on his son. After speaking to John, I realized that these particular acts of kindness were a family affair and both men deserve recognition. Thank you for calling, John!
Be inspired to notice the random acts of kindness that are part of every day.
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Who will be featured next? Will it be YOU? Let’s do it, Lee’s Summit!
