Nashville celebrates everyday heroes who helped after ice storm

What he's saying: "If there was ever a time to live up to the mantra of Nashville Strong, it is now," Mayor Freddie O'Connell said Thursday.

The big picture: Earlier this week, we asked you to share your shout-outs for all of the folks helping you through the cold.

• Your responses painted a wonderful picture of the caring community we call home.

💡 Karen K. said her ice storm heroes are "all the linemen and service workers that are working extra hard to restore power to our city."

📸 Cindy M. thanked her "sweet neighbor Darci" for keeping her updated while she was out of town. Darci sent pictures of fallen trees, including one that was dangerously towering over Cindy's house.

• "With her help, I am on a list with a tree service company to have it taken down," Cindy wrote. "I think she has 'adopted' me as a second mother and I am blessed to have her next door."

🧳 Randy R. said his friend Chris "opened his home to me and others." (A couple of other friends were also willing to play host.)

🐶 Caitlin Z. praised "the entire staff at the Thompson Hotel, especially Kim and Murray."

• "They have been so kind and accommodating to all of the children and dogs that have taken up residence!"

👏 Sue P. also credited hotel staff at the Green Hills Hyatt, "especially the women working the front desk and the very limited housekeeping staff."

❤️ Patty H. cheered her son for stopping by to take her "mall walking."

• "He's my hero!"

🌳 Kim C. thanked two city workers who stopped to help her husband with a tree blocking their driveway.

• "They jumped in to take care of the tree, and with three strong guys, it was removed in a minute."

The United Way of Greater Nashville is raising money to help people with urgent needs in the ice storm's wake