Oct 15, 2024 1 min read

After months of media exposure to divisive speech, ad hominem attacks and hateful rhetoric, I had the privilege to once again experience the true American Spirit: compassion and concern for others.

Recently, 84 Agway set up a staging area for the collection and transportation of animal products, both companion and agricultural, for rural areas of North Carolina devastated by Helene. The response was both instantaneous and amazing. Tractor-trailers were donated, a driver donated his time, and individuals came forward donating hay and tons of animal products.

An author, whose name I have forgotten, once said “the true test of our humanity is our ability to intervene if only for a moment in the suffering of others.” Washington County stepped forward and demonstrated its humanity and, as a result, somewhere in North Carolina a cat, chicken, dog, donkey, goat, horse, mule, pig or a sheep is enjoying a meal all because the people of Washington County cared.

Faith Bjalobok

McMurray