Stars of Hope Shining from Ellijay to Joplin

Build an Ark, Featured Stories

FYN Reports enjoyed sitting down with Gilmer County’s own EMT Kelly and talk to her about her recent involvement with the New York Says Thank You pay it forward project in Ellijay, GA. Kelly specifically become involved with the first aid and medical alert team and also heavily involved with Pat Samuels and his Stars of Hope project. Kelly told us, “it was a lot of community and a lot of work involved.” Kelly explained it was a need for her talents and her willingness to volunteer that made it a perfect fit. She is especially proud to be part of the entire project, proud of being an American and see everyone working together to help each other out! It was amazing to hear about the kids with paintbrushes putting their own personal touch on a Star of Hope. Kelly echoes the sentiment shared by New York Says Thank You Founder, Jeff Parness who tells us it is all about 9/12 and paying it forward.

The volunteers from all over and from the local Ellijay, GA area accomplished quite a feat and ended up with 3,555 stars – enough to cover 1 for every soul lost during the 9/11 tragedy. In total there were over 6,400 stars prepped in Ellijay. The stars will be put in Joplin, MO. Pat Samuels, Director of the Stars of Hope will bring the stars to schools in Joplin on the 8th of September and they will be placed around Joplin on the 9th, 10th, and 11th of September. Kelly will be leaving in the midst of her vacation to fly to Joplin and take part of the New York Says Thank You events scheduled in honor of remembering 9/11!

Kelly speaks about the recent floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes experienced in America and told us “I have a funny feeling New York Says Thank You will find a way to help out!” We think Kelly is pretty special herself for finding a way to “help out!” FYN believes it speaks loudly for being “an Actionist” when Americans plan as part of their vacation a way to “pay it forward!” FYN appreciates the efforts put forth by Kelly for being such a wonderful volunteer in our community!

Kelly tells FYN about Stars of Hope and Paying it Forward from Fetch on Vimeo.

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