Jasper is known as “The First Mountain City” but perhaps it should also be known as the city of kindness.  The citizens of this town and surrounding communities do so much for others it astounds you every time you hear of another kind act.    One of the many actions that impacted a visiting family in the recent past deserves mention as a glowing example of who our citizens are.

   During  a recent WWBA baseball tournament, teams from other states were competing for the winning title.  One family traveled by RV from New Jersey. After the game on a dark and rainy night, their RV wound up in a ditch on Hwy 53.  A passing car stopped and offered help.  The woman called her brother who had a heavy-duty truck and together, they managed to pull the stuck vehicle from the muddy ditch. 

  The traveling family was so taken with their selfless act that when they got home, the mother found the number of  Mayor Kirk Raffield to share the story.    How could she repay the kind citizens was the question Jennifer Infantolino asked.  Raffield told her there was a Pie In The Face Challenge raising funds for local nonprofits.  That was all she needed to know, and she quickly donated $500 to the cause.  When she also learned that one of the two agencies receiving the raised funds from the festival was Pickens Pregnancy Center…she reached out a second time and shipped 5 large boxes filled with baby items manufactured from her business.

   Mayor Raffield is very proud of the citizens of Jasper for their kind spirit.  “Our community is made up of citizens who care about others in times of need.  We see unity and have a common bond.  It truly makes me proud that the heart of our community was on display when someone needed help.”

   Pregnancy Center Manager Renee’ VonBehren was elated when the boxes arrived at the doorstep of the Angel Babies Boutique.  “We are so grateful for the gift.  It’s amazing how God provides what we need when we need it…He is always there for us.”  She continued her thanks by saying, “I don’t know her, but I am sure it wasn’t an accident they wound up in a ditch…God used it for his glory.”

   Accident or Divine intervention, it was just one more example of who our citizens are.  “Jennfier experienced the true heart of our community…her giving back is a true testament about the good people all around us.”  As for those who have seen but not taken action on need, the Mayor adds, “It is a personal charge that when we see someone needing assistance, we should step up.”    Thankfully, the good of our community takes the lead which makes me proud to be part of it.