A little while back, a post on the Corbin Police Department’s Facebook page caught my attention.
It was about Sgt. Jeff Hill, who had encountered a young boy, whose bicycle had broken down after its chain came off. Hill along with Cpl. Will Stewart quickly stepped in to fix the issue. Then Patrolman Justin Walker, Patrolman Jarrett Carr and Patrolman First Class Chris Brown made sure he was safely back on the road.
Hill noticed that the boy’s bike was worn out and in rough shape. After a discussion with Chief Rusty Hedrick, the Corbin Police Department went the extra mile and surprised the young boy with a brand-new bicycle and a helmet to ensure his safety.
This wasn’t a case of someone rushing into a burning house to save someone or jumping into a river to save someone in a sinking car, but I am pretty sure that this young boy probably considers these officers heroes nonetheless.
The officers saw a problem and pitched in to help someone less fortunate. Actions like this happen far more often than I think most people realize.
This time of year, we have a lot of heroes in our community that don’t wear capes.
You had both the Corbin Police Department and Williamsburg Police Department organize Shop with a Cop events, which took less fortunate children on Christmas shopping sprees.
I know that the Kentucky State Police Post in London also did some Shop with a Cop programs.
Not only don’t you need a cape to be a hero, but you also don’t need a uniform either.
The Corbin Rotary Club’s Southeast Kentucky Empty Stocking Fund raised over $29,000 and provided toys, and presents to over 630 children from 225 families this year. Some of the children also received bicycles.
Volunteers spent much of Friday night wrapping presents and more volunteers assisted with the 37th Annual Empty Stocking Fund party, which took place Saturday at Immanuel Baptist Church.
For the 77th consecutive year of serving local families, the Corbin Lion’s Club provided $19,050 worth of gift cards to 381 families so that they could have a nice Christmas meal.
The local United States Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program continued to help children from across the region.
There are numerous other programs out there, such as church and school angel tree programs, which provided toys and presents for children, and food for families this Christmas season.
It is worth noting that just about all of these programs are run by mostly by volunteers, who don’t get paid a dime for their efforts.
If you volunteered for any of these programs, then please know that you are a hero to many of the young people in particular that were served this year not to mention many of their parents and family members.
If you donated to any of these programs, then I think I can speak for many in the community when I say thank because you helped make these programs possible.
If only we could harness the Christmas spirit years round.
Let me take a moment before I conclude this column and say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year on behalf of all of us here at the News Journal.
May your 2025 be even better than your 2024.
