PRINCETON, W. Va. -With McDowell County still feeling the effects of February’s devastating flood, support is coming in from around the area and beyond. While one of these Good Samaritans might not be the first person to organize a campaign for the people of McDowell County, he might be the youngest.
When fourteen-year-old Glenwood School student Colton Bailey saw campaign signs for the previous election, he added his own name to the number as a joke. But when his sign generated attention, he realized he didn’t need to hold a public office to make a difference in the community.
Using his “Colton Bailey Says Hi” movement, he has now turned his focus to helping the people of McDowell County after the area was hit by flood waters.
“Seeing the flood come through just devastated me, and I just felt the need to make a difference…” says Bailey, “…I really like helping. I find a passion for public service and just to help anyway we can is going to be great.”
He approached Jimmies Restaurant in Princeton to create a nonperishable food drive, with those who donate also entering a drawing for a $25 Jimmies Restaurant gift card. The restaurant’s owner, Jamie Hall, says these items will be a big help to McDowell County residents as they work to get back on their feet.
“With the floods that had happened and occurred in McDowell County, we felt like the need was there…” says Hall, “…I say they’re in dire need, no matter if you just got your basement flooded or whether it took the whole house out. Any help is going to be needed in that area.”
Although the drive has just started, Hall and Bailey say they’ve already seen support through donations of food and drinks. Hall gives credit to Bailey for coming up with this idea and says he has a heart for the community.
“…People have been surprised that someone my age can make a difference and do something like this, and, often… we have a great community, but I would like to say that youth is kind of looked down on, not in a bad manner, but that we can’t really do things as much, and I think that we can,” says Bailey.
Bailey thanks Jimmies Restaurant for their help in bringing support to McDowell County residents and encourages everyone who can help to do so.
This food drive will run through this Saturday, March 15th. Jimmies Restaurant is closed on Mondays, but Hall says you can drop off items if you see someone inside.
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