Ranger – When Jordan Rogers’ heart was burdened with a desire to help kids in Cherokee County, he didn’t just dismiss it. He told someone else, who then came up with an idea – and by the end of the following day, their monetary goals had been reached.
Rogers, a firefighter with the Peachtree and Ranger volunteer fire departments, went to Ranger Fire Chief Mike Taylor with his idea to help kids who, for one reason or another, fall through the cracks. He started a ball rolling that resulted in a surprising success.
There wasn’t much time for planning, as Christmas was quickly approaching, and the idea was to help the children
have a more joyful holiday. After contacting Cherokee County Schools, they learned just how many kids needed a little something extra.
Taylor suggested a boot drive, which firefighters have historically held when extra funds are needed. Firefighters will interact with motorists while holding a fire department boot; folks can help out by putting any amount they desire into the boot.
On Dec. 16, just hours after the idea was first brought to Taylor, multiple firefighters from Ranger, one from Hiwassee Dam and Murphy police officer were positioned near Hot Spot. Meanwhile, members of the Peachtree department were set up at a different location, each seeking donations from passer-bys.
The goal was to raise enough money to spend $100 on each of the 62 youngsters the endeavor was trying to help. The combined boot drive total was $6,400, with Ranger bringing in $3,700 and Peachtree collecting $2,700.
As a result of one person’s desire to help children, several big-hearted volunteers and lots of generous givers, Cherokee County children celebrated a more joyful Christmas.
“We plan on continuing this every year with more advanced notice next year, my thoughts are that if you’re doing what the Lord wants you to do, nothing is impossible,” Taylor said.