He has become a 'folk hero' in his home state because of the work he has done to help poor children.
He doesn't much care for city 'folk'. [=people who live in a city]
His 'folks' gave him everything a kid could want.
(..) Excellent, captain. When they come to get me, I hope you'll be more help. I stick my neck out for nobody. I'm sorry there was a disturbance, folks, but it's all over now. Sit down and have a good time. Enjoy yourselves. All right, Sam. This is Maj. Heinrich Strasser of the Third Reich. (..)1942 Casablanca