Editorial: Your support can be more than just financial backing

Reflecting back and seeing the success, there are messages that can be sent to others to know that you support them. And the thing is, they may not even know it.

We live in a society that is currently money driven. That is a fact. The struggles are real and will continue to remain the same way for several years to come. Examples of this can be found in our local school systems as even though they attempt to give pay raises, surrounding localities are investing much more money into their resources because they have that type of revenue. The same can be same for fire and rescue squads, as well as law enforcement. The turnover rate is at a furious pace to the point that a person may accept a job and three months later, leave for another one that pays $10,000 more. It’s that type of competitiveness that puts Charles City and New Kent behind other jurisdictions monetarily.

But what those jurisdictions probably don’t have much of is the connection to the community. If you poll an employee from the locality who lives or was raised, they will tell you that the reason they stay or work is because they love the people. They love those who they interact with and they appreciate the support.

For several years since I returned from college to my community, I have been doing things for those who I have known and coached, and they probably didn’t realize it until this editorial comes out. I guess you can say that I am different when it comes to supporting our local communities. One example is that if I know one of my former students is working at a restaurant, I have no issue driving there just to pick up a meal. A small gesture to see them working often strikes up a conversation that may lead to a better day or night for them to finish their shift.

I will say that I am different from others when it comes to support as well. I have bypassed local shopping opportunities as some stores just to travel an hour or so away because I know one of my former student-athletes is managing a store. I’ve been in and out of state on several occasions to watch athletic events, as well as graduation ceremonies. The list goes on and on.

The message I am relaying is that you don’t have to be a financial powerhouse to let others know that you care. Gestures and simple acknowledgements are the first steps that could guide our future generations into a more positive place.

So when you hear about teachers, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and county employees contemplating about going other places, let them know that if they choose to stay in Charles City or New Kent that they are welcome and appreciated. Who knows, may your words of encouragement will be the reason they spend another year assisting our counties.