‘Her heart is just so big': Compassionate Guthrie woman dedicated to her community
'Salt of the earth. She is always thinking of others,' Chelsea Richardson said. 'She has a little shop down at our little shops here in Guthrie.'
However, Nikki Kesler is known for much more than the sweet treats she sells inside her tiny business.
'Out in the front of it she has a little closet for the homeless with coats and mittens, and scarves to keep them warm,' Richardson said. 'If she runs out of coats, she goes and from her own pocket buys coats for people.'
Shawnee Senior Care worker is a beacon for community spirit
Inside, she offers homemade chocolates and trinkets and gives away free books to anyone who wants one. She works to not only clothe but to feed the community, as well.
'She also donates every Saturday to lunch on Noble to help people in need. That is free meals on Saturdays that the community gives,' Richardson said. 'She is always thinking of others.'
Kesler's generosity is well-known around town.
'She does a lot of stuff just out of her heart with the coats, and she volunteers,' John Pagonis said. 'Anybody who needs help, she's there. We just love her to death.'
'Her heart is just so big. She's just such an element of this community,' Heidi Mallow said. 'I'm so excited that she got this. She's so deserving.'
Deserving of Pay It 4Ward. Richardson nominated her.
'We love recognizing people making a difference, and Nikki represents exactly what pay it forward is all about,' said Sanjuana Valdez, of First Fidelity Bank. 'On behalf of First Fidelity Bank, thank you for nominating Nikki and recognizing the great work they have done. It is our pleasure to give you $400 so you can pay it forward.'
While word has spread quickly, it has not reached Kesler—yet.
'She thinks that my husband is picking up an order from her for me,' said Richardson.
Until now.
'You must be Nikki,' said News 4's Joleen Chaney.
'I'm Nikki,' she replied.
'Nikki, I'm Joleen with News 4. We have a program called Pay It 4ward, and Chelsea nominated you, and she's got something for you,' said Joleen.
'Four hundred dollars,' said Richardson, as she handed Nikki the award money.
'Thank you. Thank you so much,' replied Kesler.
'You're welcome. You deserve it,' said Richardson.
Kesler serves a great need, no matter the population, with the most genuine compassion.
'Just seeing the items that come in and go out, we've had a lot of the community being helped, and it's really awesome to see,' she said. 'Because it feels good. It feels so good to see people just happy, and our community needs it.'
Pay it 4Ward is sponsored by First Fidelity Bank.Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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