A group of Jackson Academy Raiders assisted friends in need in Rolling Fork last week. JA parent Austin Barbour worked with the city to connect the JA group with the families who had requested assistance. These particular families had reached out and needed work they could not do themselves.
The students and coaches moved trees, fences, and metal buildings, repaired fences, bagged at least 30 bags of trash, and got debris to spots for pick up. Of the seven families assisted, three were disabled, three were elderly, and the other was already working multiple jobs and didn’t have time.
“I was very humbled today by the still much-needed work that has to be done for the community of Rolling Fork,” said Coach Aubrey Blackwell. “I am very thankful for Austin Barbour, who organized with the city to identify these people in need. I am grateful that these coaches and young men took a day to go and make a difference in the lives of these families.
Seniors Adams Kennedy and JoJo Turner, who helped with the relief work, said the experience left a big impression on them, from the devastation’s impact to the people’s response.
“Seeing houses, restaurants, and buildings completely flattened or any evidence of their existence being a concrete foundation or a 15-foot pile of bricks opens you to a new perspective that not many of us have had to face,” he said. “Just thinking about losing everything you own in a matter of minutes is unreal to think about, much less living in a situation as such. Thankfully, many other service groups and pop-up medical tents and vans were on standby to help the people. Because of the state of their infrastructure, they need any help they can get.”
Adams, who had previously spent time in Rolling Fork, was moved by the people’s response. “The city was totally destroyed, and while people were in such desperate need, it was so neat to see their faith,” he said. “There were signs everywhere saying, ‘God is with us’ and ‘Angels have helped us.’ To see such total loss but know they have kept their eyes on God was very encouraging and made it so meaningful to be able to help.”
Coach Blackwell also noted that there is much work remaining. “This group worked diligently, and we were able to help more than we had planned. We all feel that there is still more that we can do,” he said. “In such times, God asks us to be his hands and feet. I am proud of this group that decided to do so.”
