It only seems to get noticed when some major disaster hits the area, but it’s something we’ve always known and it’s what makes this area special—people helping people. It doesn’t matter if they know you, are their neighbor or not, richer or poorer than you—Arkansans believe in pitching in and helping out. Most of the time it’s the small things. Giving someone a lift, changing a flat tire or loaning someone $10 until payday and then forgetting about it when payday rolls around.
But there are times like this past weekend, when the ingrained kindness and hearts of Arkansans shine bright for everyone to see. It didn’t take but a matter of minutes after tornadoes and high winds ran roughshod over Carlisle and Keo that people were out helping. The help ranged from providing cleanup equipment, a dry place for victims to stay, meals, clearing the damage or sometimes just a hug and kind words.
The Lonoke County Sheriff’s Office provided a mobile command unit. Jacksonville drove a clam-shell dump truck to pick up debris. Churches provided hot meals. Volunteers quickly removed a tree that fell on Alta Snider’s home and covered the gaping hole with tarps. Similar acts of kindness were seen all over town.
A traffic reporter for a Little Rock radio station became a traffic cop protecting drivers from running over downed power lines near Hwy. 13 and 70. He wasn’t asked or told, he just knew it had to be done.
Volunteers and crews from Carlisle and surrounding communities worked through the weekend, and Monday, chainsaws were still whining and spewing sawdust, while tree trunks were turned into firewood and limbs were chipped into mountains of mulch.
The governor, visiting Carlisle, said the recovery process already had begun and praised the quick work of officials and neighbors.
“It’s phenomenal, all the help. People from Lonoke, Little Rock, Cabot, county officials, the Maumelle mayor; people came from everywhere,” Carlisle Mayor Ray Glover said, thankful for all the help.
But, mayor, phenomenal it wasn’t: It was Arkansans doing what they always do — helping people. It’s a wonderful tradition that comes from the heart and it’s practiced in these parts every day.
It’s been tough year, but we continue to pull together. It’s great to be an Arkansan.
