COLUMNS--FEATURE SPOT
 By  Kellie Singleton Published 
3:13 pm Saturday, August 6, 2011

Best part of the job? The people

In my job, I get to meet all kinds of people, and I always get excited when I meet outstanding people who are definitely an inspiration.

Tom and Ruth Ann Smith from Missouri are two of those people.

They immediately sprang into action after the deadly tornadoes tore through Alabama and found a way they could offer aid that someone else might not be able to offer and in turn, they were a major help to Phil Campbell Elementary School’s teachers.

The school supplies the Smiths donated will be used by teachers all over the school and will help so many kids receive that little extra something when they are learning this coming school year.

When I talked to them about their donation, they were just so humble about it.

They were simply glad to do their part and weren’t interested in making a big fuss about it.

But bringing a whole U-Haul full of school supplies all the way from Missouri to people you don’t even know is worthy of a big fuss, and the school officials who were there to unload the supplies made sure the Smiths knew how much it was appreciated.

Even though I don’t live in Phil Campbell and I don’t have an affiliation with Phil Campbell Elementary, I have been in the town non-stop since the tornadoes came through and have seen the countless number of people who have donated their time, money or supplies to help complete strangers.

When looking at all the bad news in the world today, you can sometimes feel like all the decent people in society have disappeared, but generosity shown by the Smiths and other people like them make you realize there are still good people willing to put others first and make a difference.

Also on Franklin County Times
2 pieces of turnout gear lost during fire
Main, News, Phil Campbell
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
December 24, 2025
PHIL CAMPBELL — Two turnout jackets were damaged during a Thanksgiving Day structure fire while firefighters were conducting an interior attack. Fire ...
Council to renew fines and notices
Main, News, Phil Campbell
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
December 24, 2025
PHIL CAMPBELL — Enforcement actions for a group of deteriorating downtown buildings will resume after council members voted Dec. 16 in favor of the ac...
Public donations make baby box possible
Main, News, Russellville, ...
Alyssa Sutherland For the FCT 
December 24, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE — City Council members have approved the purchase of a Safe Haven Baby Box using funds donated for that purpose. Two different families, ...
EMS train for K-9 emergency treatment
Franklin County, Main, News, ...
By Brady Petree For the FCT 
December 24, 2025
FLORENCE – Franklin County Sheriff’s Deputy Jaret Yancey and his K-9 officer Mateo have only been together for a few months, but the pair have already...
West Elementary hosts ‘Polar Express’ celebration
News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
December 24, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE -- West Elementary School marked the Christmas season with a series of activities centered on music, generosity and long-standing holiday...
Innovate Alabama critical to state’s economic future
Columnists, Opinion
December 24, 2025
Alabama has long been recognized for its success in industrial and manufacturing recruitment. Our state offers aggressive incentives and support to at...
Cultura Garden Club celebrates Christmas
Columnists, Opinion
HERE AND NOW
December 24, 2025
By Susie Hovater Malone Columnist Christmas for Cultura Garden Club members this year meant gathering around a table, sharing food made with care and ...
THS assistant principal gets championship ring
News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
December 24, 2025
RUSSELLVILLE — Tharptown High School’s faculty surprised Assistant Principal Sherry Parker with a championship ring recognizing her role on the 1981 V...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *