Anyone that needs a tangible example that the Christmas spirit is alive and well need look no further than Shirley and Aaliyah Williams.
Just days before Christmas a fire ravaged the Wrens mother and daughter's home, scorching their possessions. Ms. Williams didn't have insurance and was left to find a place to live and a sliver of the Christmas spirit.
That sliver came from her co-workers in McDuffie County. Dozens of them gave their county Christmas presents -- $25 Wal-Mart gift cards -- to Ms. Williams. Others also gave checks and cash donations. In all, nearly $1,800 was collected for the family.
Wow.
In a season where many people are watching every penny, many folks here in McDuffie County stepped up and gave a little bit of their holiday to a mother and daughter who lost nearly everything. McDuffie County Commissioner Fred Favors put it best: "For them to reach out to someone who suffered such a tragedy -- we compliment them on that and we praise them for the effort."
Each McDuffie County employee -- and anyone else -- who stepped up to help deserves a huge pat on the back. And, as for the Williams family -- they've got the prayers and support of an entire community to keep them buoyed through this difficult time.
YOU CAN HELP
Anyone who wants to help the family may call 547-7694 or 547-7865.
