We are all adapting to the historic national, state and local response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but that doesn’t mean great things aren’t still happening in our community. Whether it is something as simple as putting a Faith over Fear cross in your yard or something as intricate as a quilting group making masks for hospitals and nursing homes, the folks of Hart County have shown their true colors by being kind to one another and finding ways to lift each other’s spirits in a challenging and often scary time. These pages salute a few of those people who are keeping Hart County’s spirits high.
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A message of love as written on a window by teacher Kristen Zemaitis at Hartwell Health and Rehab.
Helping others in need
Many people in the community have gotten involved with the Hart Co. COVID-19 Community Outreach Facebook page on which folks are connecting with others to pitch in during their times of need. The group is also creating Blessing Boxes where people can leave donations to help others. Boxes will have nonperishable food items, toiletries and other items that might be useful. There is a box at the Bowersville Town Hall, at the Lavonia police station, Canon City Hall, the Royston Police Department and at Sullivan’s Drug Store in Carnesville. Plans are in the works for one in Hartwell as well.
Spreading the love
Kristen Zemaitis, a teacher from North Hart Elementary, wrote words of praise and love on the window of every resident and the office at Hartwell Health and Rehab.
Spreading Faith over Fear
Faith over Fear crosses are popping up all around Hart County in an effort to remind people that we will get through this pandemic and that fear will not win.
Supporting first responders
Gina Temple, owner of G’s Southern Traditions, donated 90 bottles of hand sanitizer to Hart County first responders.
Supporting local businesses
Forge Consulting CEO Spooner Phillips, of Hartwell, has given all of the company’s employees in Hartwell, Atlanta, Columbia, S.C., Mooresville, N.C., Chattanooga, Tenn., Parkersburg, W.V., Montgomery, Ala., Louisville, Ky, and Miami, a $50 weekly meal reimbursement intended to be used at local restaurants in those towns as a way to support local economies during the pandemic.
Supporting health care professionals
Joe Clark donated masks that he owned to give to the hospital and those who have underlying health problems.
Newton Milliken Plant donated hundreds of sterile swabs to help with testing and some N95 masks for hospital personnel.
Abby Johnstone, a Spanish teacher at Hart County High School, made 50 masks to donate to AnMed Hospital in Anderson, which needs 8,000 masks.