Wrangler Betty and Dinos Harriet and Millie are hitting the streets to prove everyday heroes are not extinct. The three local friends, who are asking to stay anonymous, came together to start Dino Deeds, a way to showcase those doing good deeds in the community — all while sporting inflatable dinosaur costumes.
Millie says that the group of friends had the idea behind Dino Deeds a few years ago, but recently put boots on the ground after seeing the hardships locals experienced throughout 2020.
“After the year we have all had and all the challenges, we thought it would be great timing to jump all on it,” Millie says. “If our silliness and our lighthearted approach can brighten someone’s day, then our mission is accomplished.”
After teaming up with Harriet, who also had a love for the dinosaur costume, the women realized they could not drive themselves around town, so they wrangled in Wrangler Betty. Starting on January 29, the three turned to Facebook community pages and local officials to find out who was making a difference. But they first wanted to recognize first responders.
“We wanted to start with first responders because they are a huge pillar in our community,” Harriet says. “But we had our dino eyes out looking around the community.”
Their first day on the job took them to the Colleyville Police Department, where they delivered donuts for the officers, and to Grapevine High School’s Rise program, where they brought donations for the students who were collecting socks for the homeless. In their first month, the Dino Deeds women have also donated blankets and towels to the Humane Society of North Texas, snacks to the Colleyville Fire Department and drinks and food to Baylor Grapevine.
And when the winter storm hit the community this month, the Dino Deeds were quick to recognize both locals and businesses that lended helping hands to their neighbors in need.
While the Dino Deeds women often hear they make people’s days with their surprise visit, they know they are getting more in return.
“Whenever you try to do something, you think you are serving someone else, whether it’s a mission trip or meeting people, it always is so fascinating. Because it ends up that we are the ones blessed beyond measure.”
Their call-outs have not only gained local attention. The Dino Deeds women have also received requests to visit locals and businesses in cities outside the Metroplex.
“We are trying to stick to our local communities, but it’s fascinating how quickly people hear about things,” Millie says.
What started out as a small way to recognize others has quickly snowballed.
“When we were originally doing our planning meeting, we were like ‘OK, maybe we will do this once a month or every couple weeks,’” Harriet says. “It just took off. The next thing you know, we are going out every week and even a couple times a week now.”
Even though they accomplished several visits at different locations, they have still been able to keep their identities under the wraps.
“It does help us by staying anonymous. Then we are making it about whoever we are honoring,” Millie says.
As Harriet puts it, the dinos are just three women with a heart for service. And Wrangler Betty hopes their actions inspire.
“We started this because we just love our community, and we want to encourage people to give back,” Wrangler Betty says. “We would love for other people to do small things within their own communities and encourage others to support one another.”
The Dino Deeds ladies do accept nominations for their visits. You can learn more about the group on their Facebook page.