But this one is a biggie.  Caution! Blind Driver’s drummer Jeff Balek received the 2016 Jamgotch Humanitarian Award, which is presented each year to an individual who uniquely makes a difference in the lives of others who need a hand up.

Jeff has been a volunteer reading teacher for disadvantaged elementary students for many years now and has helped a mess of kids, often with language barriers, handicaps, family problems, or other issues, improve their skills so they don’t fall between the academic cracks.  “Kids who don’t learn to read well in the early grades will really struggle later on,” Jeff says.

Jeff uses books that include both braille and text so he can read along and coach his students.  And they learn just from being around him that personal challenges can be overcome with a little courage, hard work, and support from friends.

By the way, this award comes with a check.  And Jeff is donating a share of it to the Harris YMCA, the sponsor of his reading program, to buy books for kids in their pre-school and early elementary programs.  He is also buying books to give to his students so they will have books at home.

Way to go, Jeff!