Local initiative works to aid community during cold weather
'The 'Love Never Grows Cold' initiative was a heartwarming event aimed at supporting the community by providing cold-weather essentials. The event was a collaboration between multiple organizations, churches, Teresa Marion – the JISD Family & Student Support Coordinator – and the Community Alliance group. Their hard work made the event a huge success,' JISD Superintendent Brad Stewart said. 'It was also a great opportunity for people of all ages to come together and enjoy the experience, showcasing the strong community spirit in Jacksonville.'
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Ivy Woods, age 3, enjoys an activity at one of the many booths set up during the Love Never Grows Cold event Saturday.
Along with the items being provided for free to all, there were door prizes for additional items such as insulated cups, smoke alarms, blankets, teddy bears, toys and gift cards. Several informational booths lined the perimeter of the gym.
Participants offering information at the event included:
– Beds, Blankets and Bibles for Cherokee County, a ministry of the Southside (Jacksonville) and Rusk Churches of Christ;
– Royal Rangers of the Grace Full Gospel Church;
– a variety of departments with Christus Health; offering information on hypothermia, blood pressure screening and other information;
– JISD counselor Angie Woo, offering self-care ideas;
– Mikayla Wallace with 4 Kids 4 Families, a regional foster care organization;
– Lourdes Camacho with Cherokee County Public Health, who was encouraging vaccinations, especially the flu shot;
– The Child Advocacy Center, founded by the Crisis Center of Cherokee and Anderson Counties;
– Michelle Matthews, with Suicide Prevention through Awarness, Readiness and Knowledge;
– Jacksonville Police and Fire Departments;
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Jacksonville Fire Chief Paul Findley offers tips on how to avoid home fires during winter months.
– Michelle Rhodes, with Sweet Union Baptist Church;
– JISD Human Resources; advertising open positions within the district;
– and the JISD administration, giving away lip balm, gloves and socks.
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Michael Bobbitt, representing Royal Rangers, was the winner of the chili cook-off at Love Never Grows Cold.
A chili cook-off was conducted as part of the event. Contestants included Michael Bobbitt, with the Royal Rangers; Fred Douglass, represented by Principal Carlos Franz and Lex Moses; Jewel McCullough, representing Joe Wright; Melissa Wagner of Flex Play and three separate entries representing Christus - Trisha Smith; Rebecca Stanwood and Barry Lofquist.
The winner of the cook-off was determined by popular vote. The chili presented by the Royal Rangers, represented by Bobbitt, was judged the best.
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