Rutherford Weekly

Thursday, July 14-July 20, 2022 www.rutherfordweekly.com 828-248-1408 Rutherford Weekly - Page 17 6 DAY FORECAST RUTHERFORD COUNTY'S RUTHERFORD COUNTY'S For Up To The Minute Rutherford County Weather Go To rutherfordweekly.com 85 68 THUR JULY 14 82 67 Scattered Thunderstorms FRI JULY 15 SAT JULY 16 84 67 PM Thunderstorms SUN JULY 17 84 68 84 68 MON JULY 18 88 68 TUES JULY 19 AM Thunderstorms Scattered Thunderstorms Scattered Thunderstorms Scattered Thunderstorms ©Community First Media Community First Media www.duffi escopier.com www.duffi escopier.com 828-245-5116 828-245-5116 LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED FOR 40 YEARS LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED FOR 40 YEARS SUPPLIES EQUIPMENT SERVICE PRINTED MATERIALS 671 Oak St., Forest City, NC 28043 BUY LOCAL • SAVE YOUR HARD EARNED DOLL ARS! BUY LOCAL • SAVE YOUR HARD EARNED DOLL ARS! INK TONER REFILLS Offi ce Supplies Black & White & Color Copies Many Sizes Low Cost Per Copy CALL US BEFORE YOU BUY ANYWHERE ELSE CALL US BEFORE YOU BUY ANYWHERE ELSE If you're unable to get your regular copy of Rutherford Weekly, view it online at rutherfordweekly.com rutherfordweekly.com Our Our Digital Edition Digital Edition is is FREE! FREE! To receive a copy of each week's publication via email, To receive a copy of each week's publication via email, click on click on "subscribe to our weekly digital edition" "subscribe to our weekly digital edition" It's That Simple! It's That Simple! Our Online Version Same As The Printed Copy! Don't Miss This Week's Don't Miss This Week's RUTHERFORD RUTHERFORD WEEKLY WEEKLY The heart of a Gaston County 5th grader, Lucas Haggar, was touched several weeks ago by the images on TV News regarding the children in Ukraine. It is so hot here now that it may be diffi cult for us to remember that it was only weeks ago that it was so cold in Ukraine, and these images of children seen every day on our screens showed them huddling in cold buildings, and children leaving the country for safety with almost nothing – sometimes not even with parents and most certainly not a dad because he had to stay and fi ght for their freedom. These sad images brought tears to Lucas' eyes and pain in his young heart. His mom said she had not really noticed that he was paying such close attention to the News until he spoke out. "Someone needs to do something for these children," he told her. As they talked, Lucas said he wished he could do something, but "what can a young boy do?" he asked. He came up with the idea for a project he called "Blankets and Bears for the Children in Ukraine." He talked with his school leaders and was given permission to ask for donations of blankets, throws, and stuffed animals to be sent to the Ukraine to let the children there know that Americans cared. Isothermal Community College faculty, First United Methodist Church in Rutherfordton, Christopher Road Baptist Church in Shelby along with many Businesses and Communities and Individuals in Gaston, Cleveland, and Rutherford Counties got involved and soon big boxes and trash bags with signs labeled "Blankets and Bears for Children in Ukraine" were fi lled to overfl owing with warm blankets and cuddly bears! Checks from individuals were given so that even more could be purchased. Some of these items had notes pinned to them with sweet prayers and well wishes from other children here in our communities. And others had email addresses with hopes that those of us who donated may someday hear from the receivers. Wouldn't that be a treat? What can one young boy do? Lucas saw a need and he cared. He cared so much that he came up with a plan and reached out to other caring people. He demonstrated that no matter the age, with true compassion and some imagination, and inviting others to participate, much can be accomplished and needs met. Now these boxes of blankets and bears are on their way to Ukraine so when the weather starts to cool again, and wherever the recipients of these items are sleeping, they can know that a child lead the way in small communities in America to help them feel safe and warm and cared for. As his great-aunt, I am fi lled with pride and grateful for Lucas' compassion and willingness to step forward to do what he could and engage the help of so many. I am grateful for his parents, Carmen Faries and Derrick Haggar who taught him to love others and try to make a positive difference even in the lives of those he most likely will never meet. I am also so grateful for all who heard his request for help and contributed to a young boy's cause. Thank you one and all. Sometimes a child leads the way… Article and photos submitted by Dr. Johnnie Martin FREE Ads Work! Ads Work! To advertise your business contact To advertise your business contact Mike Marlow @ 828-248-1408 Mike Marlow @ 828-248-1408 advertising@rutherfordweekly.com advertising@rutherfordweekly.com FR

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