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Jackson County’s generosity shines in Katrina’s wake
We’re always proud to say we’re from Jackson County, but the recent outpouring of generosity and support for those whose lives have been shattered by Hurricane Katrina makes us especially grateful that we are fortunate enough to live here.
“Where can we donate to the hurricane victims?” was the question that poured into the newspaper and radio offices two weeks ago. WRGC’s David Skinner took the lead in providing a local answer, and The Sylva Herald was glad to join the effort that snowballed to include county commissioners, WestCare, Western Carolina University, Sylva Rotary and many more.
The fund-raiser turned into a happening at the Justice Center, complete with live entertainment, an auction and concessions. Volunteers staffed the phone lines (installed by Metrostat Technologies), and the donations poured in.
Hurricane Katrina is the latest in a string of September calamities – Hurricane Floyd in 1999, the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and Hurricanes Frances and Ivan last year – that have touched the hearts of people in Jackson County and loosened their purse strings.
As Skinner said last week in announcing the Jackson County Cares event, people here are known for their generosity. We’d say the more than $33,000 raised last weekend for hurricane victims proves him right.
Support local firefighters, too
Two of our volunteer fire departments are having special events this week.
Canada is planning its famous barbecue Saturday night at the fire house on Charleys Creek Road. They’ll offer slow-cooked, Eastern-style barbecue, with all the trimmings, as well as live entertainment, a raffle and a cakewalk.
Savannah will host an open house Sunday afternoon, offering the community a chance to see the equipment and meet the firefighters. Smokey Bear will be on hand, along with Sparky the Fire Dog, and there will be fire truck rides for the kids.
These two departments, like their companions in Balsam, Cashiers, Cullowhee, Qualla and Sylva and the Jackson County and Glenville rescue squads, are always on call and always ready to volunteer their time in any emergency. Let’s show them we appreciate it by supporting their annual events.
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