Pretty much nothing stops Ironton resident Aggie Taylor from heading out for her walks – not two open heart surgeries, not a heart attack and not even a broken leg.

Saturday, June 10, 2000

Pretty much nothing stops Ironton resident Aggie Taylor from heading out for her walks – not two open heart surgeries, not a heart attack and not even a broken leg.

After all, the Ironton resident has a mission – to use her legs – and heart – to help others.

Mrs. Taylor, a 44-year resident, is the wife of Ironton native Frank Taylor and grandmother of two.

"I was raised on a farm in Michigan and we always had plenty to eat," Mrs. Taylor said. "It’s hard to imagine children being hungry, and I think if I can help one child get something to eat, then my work is well worth it."

During her three-mile daily walks, Mrs. Taylor occasionally stops door-to-door, randomly collecting money for a variety of charities.

"I think feeding the hungry is the most important charity; especially the children," Mrs. Taylor said. "I know grown-ups get hungry, but I think of children first. I know I would give up my food for a child."

Mrs. Taylor said she enjoys walking. She used the exercise to recuperate from a broken leg. When she was back on her feet, she was back on the streets.

After all, there were still children to feed.

"If (an organization) calls me and needs me to help, I collect donations," she said. "I’ve had people donate anywhere from $1 to $100. I thank everybody that donated from the bottom of my heart.

"There are so many people that I would like to write letters to and thank them for their donations, but there’s just too many people," she added. "I wouldn’t know where to start."

Mrs. Taylor raised signifant amounts of money for Lawrence County’s Annual Crop Walk since it started; close to $900 in 1997, $1,100 in 1998, $1,400 in 1999 and nearly $1,100 last week.

But she helps others, too, her husband said.

"She sends money to different organizations," Taylor said. "She’s also raised thousands of dollars outside the Crop Walk. I think it’s wonderful. I know I couldn’t walk that far – not as far as she walks."

Mrs. Taylor was chosen by the president of the Eagles Ladies Auxiliary 895 to be the mother of the club, because of her dedication and her amiable character.

"Every month (The Eagles Auxiliary) has a different charity – bake sales, car washes, breakfasts and dinners," Mrs. Taylor said.

Proceeds go to cancer research, those with Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease and victims of child abuse.

Mrs. Taylor is also a active in the VFW Post 8850 and is a member of the Catholic Women’s Club.

"She volunteers at both Catholic and public Schools," Taylor said. "If (the charity) is for school, she donates." This includes Boys and Girls Scouts, St. Lawrence and St. Joe Catholic Schools and Whitwell Elementary School.

Despite her many achievements, Mrs. Taylor considers herself no different than any other resident.

"I don’t want anybody patting me on the back for what I’ve done," she said. "I’m just glad to help."