Sunday, February 19, 2012

Helping Heal the Hurt

In my last post I told you about a special project I was involved in that had to do with a tragedy that has fallen on our quite little town.  Actually, it is a tragedy that unbelievably struck us not once, but twice in a 6 week period.  Two of our city police officers have been shot and killed in the line of duty.  Both of these officers grew up here in Aiken and both of them, as well as their families were and are very much loved and highly thought of in this community.
The loss of one was almost incomprehensible but then to have it happen again just 6 weeks later was a shock that still has us reeling and that no one can quite believe.  
The outpouring of love and support from the community, while it can do little to ease the pain that these families and fellow law enforcement colleagues are feeling, will hopefully give them at least a feeling of encouragement and a small acknowledgement of how much we appreciate their sacrifices.
There have been numerous fundraisers and benefits held in the past few weeks with more planned in the coming weeks, but the one activity I was able to be a part of was thru my church and we called it "Buckets of Hope".  Last week, all 155 employees of the Aiken Department of Public Safety received a 5 gallon bucket STUFFED to the rim with all kinds of things donated by the people and businesses of the surrounding area.   We also have collected cards for each of the 155,  and these will be delivered this coming week as a kind of follow-up, just to let them know we are still thinking of them, praying for them, and appreciate what they do.  From what I understand, the overall favorite item in the buckets (& there was some good stuff in there let me tell you) but the one thing we kept hearing comments on were the notes and letters written by children that were included, so while our cards may not measure up to the kids' cards & letters, hopefully they will convey the message all the same. 


If you have someone in your family that is in law enforcement or any branch of our armed forces, please give them a hug for me if you can and tell them I said THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart, and a hug and thank you to you too.

10 comments:

  1. What tragic events to happen to 2 in your small community. Sorry to hear that Tami. Sounds like everyone pulled together with their support. I'm sure they'll appreciate your cards.--Pat N.

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  2. WOW~ Tami I am so very sorry to hear of all the loss in your town...it is never an easy thing to deal with and my thoughts and prayers are with the families of these fallen heroes.
    It is always so great to hear about a town pulling through for one of their own and even though it can not erase the pain it can help ease it just alittle! So glad to call you my friend when I hear of your generousity and love that was offered. Thanks for sharing your beautiful cards! I know they will be treasured!!

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  3. Tami, How horrible!! I have always thought that it was amazing what the police and firemen give to all of us that we take so much for granted, until something like this happens. It seems like people are there for these men and women, when these horrible things do happen, but then they seem to slowly forget until something like this happens again. I hope that the members of your community will continue to support, and keep them in their thoughts and prayers. I will keep the family members of these fallen heroes families in mine. Karen♥

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  4. What a very sad yet touching story Karen. I am so happy you took part in the donations. Beautiful cards. I love the cut out letters.

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  5. That is SO sad to hear. I'm so glad that you are all working together to show continued love and support for the other officers and the families of those that have lost a loved one. Your cards are gorgeous and will be LOVED!!! Hugs- Glora

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  6. So Sorry to hear about the loss in your community. Your cards are lovely. It's wonderful thing to have everyone step up in the community to help the ones left behind.

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  7. Tami the cards are beautiful! I knew both of the officers. I taught Scotty.

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