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Our area is truly blessed with so many kind-hearted souls. Examples abound from bell ringers to those holding fund raisers of all kinds. Generosity and caring -- especially toward children -- is a trademark of the good folks of our communities. Selflessness is a characteristic. 'Tis is truly the season of giving.
We recently were on site for the annual Gingerbread Day in Salem. Over 600 children were treated to making gingerbread houses, meeting Santa and Mrs. Claus, interactive activities, eating goodies and taking home a number of items including mittens and stocking caps. All free. Thanks to volunteers and donations.
This past Saturday we visited the new location for The Brightside Project in Salem. This organization looks after families throughout Columbiana County. Bright Christmas was held and boy oh boy did it brighten the faces of hundreds of kids! The total was something like 650. The children chose gifts and toys from age-based collections containing an assortment of items. They received snacks and other goodies. They received hygiene products. All free. Thanks to volunteers and donations.
Notice the theme?
Here is an example of another holiday angel. Or, if you'd like, a true samaritan. Betty Miller of New Waterford sent along the following words about a wonderful experience:
"Thanksgiving is our nation's day to give thanks for all our blessings. I never imagined mine would be Black Friday but it was.
As hazardous road conditions hit state Route 165, quickly the unsalted road become a dangerous sheet of black ice. My husband's 4-wheel drive truck was no match for the sheet of ice and we slid out of control and landed in the ditch on the opposite side of the road. My husband was unharmed but I hurt my wrist as we hit.
We sat helplessly watching vehicles sliding toward us and past us. We could see five others ahead of us that were also in ditches. All of a sudden we had an angel appear. A young lady was coming from a black SUV that was stopped on the road with all traffic at this point. She approached my window and introduced herself as Peggy Dixon.
She asked if we needed medical treatment and if we needed her to call for an ambulance. We said no to ambulance because I felt others ahead may need care more than my wrist. She slid as she walked back to her SUV but never fell. She came back with first aid kit in hand. She looked an my wrist and had me try to move and bend it. I told her I believed it was a sprain because I have broken my wrist before and it was not as bad of pain.
She wrapped my wrist and told me to follow up with my doctor or an urgent care asap since I refused the ambulance. I thanked her for her kindness and help. I asked her where she was from as she started to walk away and she replied Honduras.
We watched her go to each car. By this time EP fire truck was there. My husband and myself are in hopes that this story reaches her somehow. The world needs more people like her. People that risk their own safety to help others."
Now, how's that for a holiday feel-good story? And, Peggy, if this article does make its way to you, God bless and have a wonderful Christmas. Samaritan is another way of saying angel. There are so many in our parts, aren't there?