Everyone is a part of a community, a member by default, when you live somewhere.   The reputation of a community is built by the actions or sometimes inactions of those who live there.
Here we are fortunate to be a part of a community where people really care about each other, where a neighbor reaches out to a neighbor in their time of need.  A community that is proactive in it’s giving and sharing and always ready and willing to lend a helping hand.
In our community we have organizations such as Thermal Belt Outreach, Steps to Hope, Rotary, Kiwanis, Foothills Humane Society, church groups and so many more.   Countless volunteers who spend their time and resources to help their neighbors.  It warms the heart to hear of the goodness in a world that is so often portrayed in a different light.
Saturday the Tryon Fire Department and the Polk County Sheriff’s office prepared soup for their neighbors in need.  Sheriff Donald Hill even took bowls of soup to those in our community who couldn’t get out.   Volunteers donated supplies and helped cook up the much needed meals.  Nothing was expected in return, no praise was needed. As is the usual case in our community it was done with good will and in the spirit of neighbors helping neighbors.
Fundraisers for neighbors are also a way of life here.  Recently local resident Chuck Britton had a heart attack while visiting in Florida, which required surgery. A long-time volunteer within the community and in his second year as the chairman of the board of the Blue River BBQ Festival, Chuck now finds himself on the receiving end of this great community that truly helps their neighbors in need.
With mounting medical bills and his business on hold, friends and neighbors have organized a fundraiser to help defray medical costs.
The fundraiser for Chuck will be held at the Tryon Depot’s large deck on Feb. 11 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. There will be food, entertainment, and a silent auction. Tickets are available at the Trade St. Coffee Gallery, Kathleen’s, Tryon Mountain Hardware and at the Chamber.  Call Tabatha Cantrell at 828-817-2503 for donations and more information.
Thank you to all who contribute for your goodness and kindnesses shown to each other.  A community that does more than talk about helping their neighbors but put’s their words into action.  Neighbors helping neighbors, it’s the way it should be and what makes this a great community.