Independent person

FILE PHOTO Louise Benoit Louise Benoit is a spirited island senior who single-handedly launched "Island-wide Giving," a grass roots effort to raise money for Nantucket's less fortunate, one dollar at a time.

Benoit, 78 and a 10th generation islander, began her one-woman quest last fall and continues it to today, successfully convincing those who might shun donations of large amounts to understand that the smallest of gifts add up to become a significant aid to many in need. Benoit printed flyers describing her goal and had the fund set up legally for accounting and tax purposes.

After only a few months, by August her mission had already raised half of the annual amount that a family requiring rental assistance may through the Interfaith Council's rental assistance program and remarkable additional funds given to the Emergency Food Pantry. Both the pantry and rental assistance programs have seen high increases in demand this year as islanders lost jobs or had wages frozen or cut, yet still must come up with money for housing, groceries and other bills.

Benoit, who lives on a restricted, fixed income herself, decided to take charge in her own unique way and has made a difference in the lives of many through her selfless and energetic efforts.

"The interesting thing is that I'm not getting donations from people with a lot of money," she said. "I'm getting money from people who recognize the need and want to help their neighbor." I