By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
Isaac Birch is more than a little busy.
A young guy in his early 30s, Birch works full-time at Bunge North America in Decatur and also operates his own business, Birch’s Performance Den.
But he hasn’t forgotten the kindness the community showed his mother, Katie, and their family during her long struggle with cancer. Nor how people stepped up to help him get his business off the ground some three years ago.
So now, with Thanksgiving and the Christmas season fast approaching, he wants to begin paying back.
“When I started this gym, I did so with the hope that one day I could pay forward the kindness my family was shown while my mom, Katie Birch, was sick. I have not, and will never, forget that,” Isaac said
“I can’t begin to tell you how many people reached out. I decided I wanted to pay it forward.”
So he’s now asking people who know a family or individual in some need to write or type a letter telling him about them so Isaac can offer help.
“They could be dealing with illness, going through a tough time, or simply be a hard-working family that’s a bit down on their luck,” Birch said.
The nominations should include an address or a way to get in touch with the family/person. Also, a note if there is a desire to remain anonymous; otherwise, the family/person chosen may be told who nominated them.
Nominations may be emailed to ibirch93@gmail.com, or dropped off at his physical fitness center which is located at 1634 Winchester St., to the west of The Mirage.
Isaac will select 10 families or individuals and each will receive $500. The funds will be distributed on December 1.
Birch has set aside $5,000 for the program.
“Basically, the money is my profit from the gym for the year,” Isaac said. “I want to invest it back into the community.”
He will also accept donations from anyone who wishes to help, either to reach more families or to increase the amount given to the original 10, he explained.
“My hope is to make this a yearly tradition in honor of my mom, to celebrate the life she gave me and continue her memory through giving,” Isaac said.
Katie Birch, well known and well liked throughout the community, died January 9, 2021, at the age of 46 after battling cancer for a number of years.
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