JACKSON TWP. — The weight of a trying time is often lifted by those willing to lend a helping hand. This holiday season, the Jackson Township Advisory Board wanted to say a special “thank you” to those making an effort to make Brown County a better place.
Jackson Township Advisory Board members and Jackson Township Trustee Sandy Higgins surprised the Helmsburg General Store, Needmore Grocery Store, Dollar General Store, Fruitdale and Jackson volunteer fire departments, Brown County COAD and Brown County Community Foundation with COVID-19 Team Player Certificates in order to show appreciation for the work they all do.
“When COVID broke out, you couldn’t find toilet paper, paper towels or even hot dogs,” board President Larry Gardner said. “Helmsburg General Store found it. Family Dollar in Bean Blossom found it.”
Gardner said that local fire departments were also helping people however they could.
[sc:text-divider text-divider-title=”Story continues below gallery” ]“I told Sandy Higgins we need to do some recognition for people that have stepped up during a time of crisis,” he said. “People need to be recognized for what they do, especially in smaller communities like this.”
Higgins, the Jackson Township trustee, organized for pictures to be taken by her daughter, Sarah Higgins, when certificates were handed out.
The board also gave Sandy Higgins a certificate for being the main leader and helping everyone, Gardner said.
Recipients felt honored to be chosen and recognized for their efforts. Helmsburg General Store owner Sharon Richey said that she was surprised to be picked out of so many businesses.
The pandemic has not been too bad for their business, Richey said. The store has seen a change in traffic as people were adapting to life in quarantine and under mandates. “More people have been outside, so it picked up some with bait and tackle. People were at home more, so they bought smaller items.”
“It’s kind of nice to be able to share Brown County with people who may not have wanted to come here if not for the escape,” she said. “It’s nice to see families doing stuff together. There were so many little kids who had never fished or anything, and their parents and grandparents were taking them out. That was my favorite thing.”
Jackson Township and Fruitdale fire departments serve the area every day, but have had to take extra precautions when stepping up during the pandemic.
Fruitdale Fire Chief Kevin Sebastian said they always appreciate support from the community. Having to take more precautions and canceling fundraisers, they haven’t been able to able to do what they normally do.
Jackson Fire Chief Glen Elmore said that sometimes, department members don’t feel recognized enough, so this opportunity is “inspiring and great.”
“It’s always nice, getting an award,” he said.
The pandemic hasn’t only changed the way firefighters operate on calls, but also at the station.
“It’s made us more involved with each others’ health — not just physical, but mental too,” Elmore said. “Like a closer family.”
“You’re concerned after every run, how people did. In a way, COVID is horrible and terrible, but in another way, it’s been bringing us together, a lot closer. We’re very fortunate, living in a great community.”
