Grape Creek – While the community’s fire chief was out of town spending some time with his family, firefighters across Cherokee County were busy raising money on his behalf.
A countywide boot drive was held on the morning of Aug. 27 to benefit Grape Creek Fire Chief Alan Andrews, who is ill. Just over $13,000 was donated.
The roads were busy due to the Labor Day weekend, and many visitors and locals were exceptionally generous. One person surprised two firefighters by offering a $100 bill.
Firefighters were set up at intersections and roadways at Walmart in Murphy, Hot Spot in Ranger, Tri-County Community College in Peachtree, U.S. 19/74 at N.C. 141 in Marble as well as other high-traffic intersections. The boot drive appeared to bring a spirit of hope to the endeavor, as one firefighter was repeatedly visited by a butterfly.
A couple of $2 were among the common currency, while several people emptied their change purses into a boot. A few folks donated to the effort on their way back through the intersections a second time.
Firefighters and the public appeared to enjoy interacting with one another and the weather was bright and sunny. The effort of firefighters, and the compassion and generosity of the public, seemed nothing less than heartwarming.
Details: Call Peachtree Fire Chief Jordan Messer at 828-557-1299.