I know that there are people who love the city life and all the opportunities it provides, but I love the life in a small town in a rural area.
A little over a month ago someone I work with was diagnosed with cancer. She is one of those sweet people that works quietly, doing her job and living her life as an example for the children as well as the staff. She rarely complains and is one of the kindest people I know.
So, with her treatment program being several hours away, the staff at school decided to have a family activity night and give the proceeds to help her family with some of the costs they are incurring as a result of the cancer treatments.
With 3 weeks to plan and pull off the event, it was a true team effort, but everything was organized and ready to go on time.
Tonight was the 'big event' and the community response was incredible. Our elementary school has around 400 students, small by most standards. During the 2 hours that the event was scheduled, the elementary was packed with students and their families. Almost every classroom had an activity going on and the cost of every game or item was only $.25. We also had food and silent auction items.
In that 2 hour period the community helped us raise over $4,500 for our friend and her family. That's a truckload of quarters! and a wonderful community of generous, caring people.
Yes, the city might have bright lights and glamorous people, but I wouldn't trade the kind and generous folks in my small, rural town for any of it. Even in a struggling economy, they open their hearts (and billfolds) to help a friend through a difficult time.
