by Nathan Decker

FRANKLIN
“The community is broken. People don’t trust one another enough to work together. The system is failing. The leadership is corrupt. There is no point in doing anything because it’s only going to get worse.” These are all phrases that we hear or infer from news feeds, tweets and troughs — but not in Franklin and Southampton County. Here people care, are grateful and are willing to pull together to make a difference.

On Oct. 4, at 7 p.m., a variety of organizations came together to say one thing: “Thank you.”

Thank you to our local first responders. Thank you to the police, fire, EMS and rescue departments. Whether volunteer or paid — these men and women offer themselves as the front line of our local emergencies, disasters and distress-filled moments. Thank you for all the ways that you serve and protect as well as show up when our community is hurting, in need or not at our best.

Over a steak dinner, local people came together to give our heroes a local thank you. Spearheaded by the Franklin Rotary Club and hosted by the American Legion, 92 people were served a 10 to 12-ounce steak, baked potato, salad and bread. If they had room left over, there were also a variety of desserts.

The steaks were purchased at a generous price from Boykins Butcher Block. The potatoes and salad were donated by Southampton Memorial Hospital. The Village at Woods Edge provided cobbler and some ice cream. The Ladies Auxiliary of the American Legion added even more dessert choices. Local musician Ed Marks provided background tunes.

All was done through the kindness and financial donations from Farmers Bank, Bronco Federal Credit Union, Franklin Baptist Church and High Street United Methodist Church.

We as a community are better together. When we support one another with a spirit of genuine gratitude, the world is a better place. We are thankful for our first responders, and proud to have this annual event. Mark your calendars, next year we will be doing it again on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2019.

If anyone is interested in helping sponsor or offer a donation, please contact Nathan Decker at NathanDecker@VAUMC.org or 562-3367.