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KTVA Heroes: Molly PolandOwner of Kenai Peninsula lodge known for helping othersRelated ContentThis is the first in a series featuring community heroes, in which we honor and recognize the Alaskans who have lent a helping hand to neighbors, coworkers, and complete strangers. SOLDOTNA - CBS 11's Megan Edge traveled to the Kenai Peninsula to meet with one nominee -- Molly Poland, in the heart of Hooligans. In Soldotna, off the Sterling Highway, you will find Hooligans Lodge. For locals the bar is a weekend hotspot; for tourists it’s just another fishing lodge. But for many, its owner is what keeps them loyal. From the outside it's just another lodge. But don't judge a book by its cover, because Hooligans has a lot of heart. Jeff Allen is a janitor here. He's just one of many Molly Poland helped back on his feet. “She breaks her back for just about everybody,” Allen said. About 18 months ago, the retired slope worker was broke and unemployed. “I just kept pestering Molly and of course they didn't have an opening at the time but as soon as it came up I got phone call and I said I will be there tomorrow.” But what Molly gave him was so much more than a job. “If it’s food that we need, we've got it,” Allen said. “If we need a job, we got it. We need extra hours, she will find something for us to do. We just do it... because that’s the way we are. We’re a family.” And she doesn't just help her employees. “A couple times there have been families that have been in situations where their houses have caught on fire and they lost everything, and so we have them stay here and they can eat breakfast and sometimes they have clothes at home I can bring them,” Poland said. In the five years that Poland has owned Hooligans Lodge, she's helped countless people for many different reasons. “There [are] a lot of families that have hard times that people don't know about, and are embarrassed about it, and so I will just approach them and tell them, ‘you are more than welcome to stay at Hooligans until you figure things out.” It's that attitude that makes Molly not just a businesswoman, but a member of almost every family in Soldotna. “I tell her I love her all the time; it's all I can say to her… hug her and give her a kiss,” Allen said. Molly, according to Allen, is a community hero. If you know of an unsung hero who deserves recognition tell us about him or her. We’re looking for those who serve others, have helped those around them, made life easier for someone else… If you'd like to nominate a KTVA hero, contact us on Facebook, Twitter, email us at 11news@ktva.com or call the newsroom at 274-1111. |
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Campaign much?? said on Wednesday, Feb 13 at 1:01 PM
This discussion is over a woman who campaigned on her BUISNESS facebook page for this honor by posting a link so that the hundreds of people who had already liked her business facebook page could simply click on a link to go vote for her. REAL heroes don’t campaign to be nominated as heroes, they just ARE! REAL heroes are people who do things selflessly without contemplating the result of their selfless acts. REAL heroes are individuals who are often uncomfortable with the label “hero” because they understand the magnitude of what that word means. Not only is this a farce, but it’s disgusting. What a vacuous honor…
113443771Unknown said on Monday, Feb 11 at 4:45 PM
MAYBE YOUR JUST A JEALOUS WANNA BE BECAUSE SHE IS ON TV AND YOUR NOT.
113315192Thats Right said on Thursday, Feb 7 at 12:28 AM
Molly helps so many people down here I think she is very deserving of this award for every one person who dislikes her or says something negative about her there are 100 more who say they love that woman and she has positivly impacted their lives. And her talking about letting famiies stay at the hotel because of a fire is just the tip of the ice berg when it comes to her generosity I dont even know how many charitys she donates to because I have figured out for every food drive she does theres 100 christmas stockings she is filling with stuff for the homeless or hoodies she is donating to get raffled off or money she is giving and trips she is giving away for random acts of kindness im surprised that wasnt brought up but for those who dont know Molly started RAK random acts of kindness a contest in which she asked people from all over to upload a video of them doing a good deed and she is giving a trip to mexico theres a facebook page for it and everything she is an angel :)
113022601and you? said on Wednesday, Feb 6 at 4:34 PM
I do not know this woman personally but do not commend the post comments about personal dirt. We all have personal dirt. This is not the place to create any sort of drama and or bashing. Time to grow up a little. She may not be perfect, but who is? What we DO know about THIS subject, is that she HAS helped people in need. Can you say the same about yourself?
113005992bobby jo said on Wednesday, Feb 6 at 3:41 PM
I agree totally! You should do a little more research...
113003726Hero is a very strong word... said on Wednesday, Feb 6 at 11:52 AM
While I respect KTVA as an honest, reliable source for the news, I have to say, you should have done a bit more research before honoring this woman as a "hero". "Hero" is a VERY strong word to be throwing around and should not be taken lightly. I have known this woman, her family, and her character for around 8 years. The last thing I am going to do is go into the laundry list of reasons this woman is far from a “hero”, but this piece is garbage. I encourage you as an honest and reliable news team to look farther into the people you are honoring as “heroes”, than taking the word of someone nominating them for this series you are running. I assure you the lives this woman has damaged and/or destroyed far exceed the lives of the people she has helped. Shame on you!
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