When I hear the word "hero" the first thing I think of are costumed superheroes. And although the often spandex-clad men and women who grace the pages of comic books can be silly, their intent is often the same - save the world or at least make it a better place to live.

But as the NBC show "Heroes" often illustrates, being a hero is not always defined by clear black lines. Sometimes someone with the best of intent can make a bad decision. And more often than not, those we look to as heroes are not even trying - they are just helping out and doing what comes naturally.

When we called for hero nominations to feature a few of these special folks on our pages, I never realized how tough it would be. Like protecting their secret identities, several folks turned us down even though they would be enlightening folks about their particular cause.

Those we did convince to grace our pages stressed that they are not heroes. The only reason many of them agreed to be in the limelight was to bring recognition to something they strongly believe in.

For Susie Glover it's education, history and children. Glover has been involved in the Friends of the Granite Bay Library, Rotary, A Touch of Understanding and Daughters of the American Revolution. Glover treats her volunteer work as a full time job and has helped many organizations over the years.

Leslie DeDora's passion is helping bring disability awareness and understanding into the world, one child at a time. Through the organization she co-founded with her dad (and one of her heroes), she has brought a program of enlightenment to children throughout the area. After 15 years of success, A Touch of Understanding is now ready to take the next step and bring its program statewide.

For Jim Lane, helping others is a way to pay it forward. A recipient of donations growing up, success has not made him forget his humble beginnings. With his wife and sons by his side, he has organized the Christmas Basket program each year through Rotary, which (with the help of other organizations) provides local families with food, gifts and shoes. He has also put his construction background to work with Bayside's Mexicali program, building homes for less fortunate families in Mexico.

Granite Bay High School Junior Allison Grace is a hero to 20 young girls. As a student instructor for the Junior Grizzlies she helps bring confidence and poise to her team. Grace is in the sport for the love of it, but it's a desire to help other young girls excel that makes her share that gift with others.

Perhaps it is in the nature of a hero to shy away from the limelight. Not people to seek fame, they are gracious to accept it in order to further the greater good. And in doing so, often inspire others to do the same.

It is with this hope, that we share stories of heroes great and small, of ways you too can make a difference and perhaps, without even trying, be a hero to someone else.