The good people of Union County continue to practice random acts of kindness, and while there are too many to mention in such articles, some of the events from earlier this month are worth taking a moment to note.  It was the summer’s third Live in Liberty, sponsored by Prevention is the Cure, and the center of town was alive with music, kids’ activities, and a number of local people helping their community.  Brooke Murray, a teacher at LES, manned a station that provided backpacks filled with school supplies, as well as t-shirts, socks, and other back to school essentials. Beside them was a tent where the ladies from Terry’s Beauty Shop stood for hours in the heat, happily giving free haircuts.  It was a cheerful evening, the air filled with the excitement and energy of August as kids wrapped up their summer break. Murray has been doing this Back to School Bash for six years, and this summer’s Live at LIberty gave a perfect spot.   “I felt called to help kids in my community and as a teacher I want kids to start their year off great,” she said. Which is how she came up with this idea, to supply students with a fresh haircut and supplies. The love was apparent.  “This year I also had a group of community members pray over the backpacks. I am always so amazed at how giving our community is.”  Murray said they were able to fill 150 backpacks this year:  115 were given out and the extra backpacks are being stored and used as needed throughout the school year. “Terry’s Beauty shop has helped the past few years with haircuts along with Lindsey Paddock. They cut lots of hair this year. This event would not be able to do this without God and the amazing people who live in and around our community.”

Murray also thanked LES Principal Lisa Gayhart, who was on-site handing out supplies, for her support of the project.  Many community members and businesses made this event possible through their generosity:  Hanna’s Creek Christian Church, Liberty Church of the Nazarene, Liberty Church of Christ, St. Bridget Church, Union County Public Library, Firefly Children and Family Alliance, Neighborhood Health, Live in Liberty, Whitewater Commons Senior Living, Soldiers in the Army of the Lord, Sisters in Christ, Bath State Bank, 3 Rivers, Donna Paxton, Abigayle Robinson, Richard Worcester, Jessica Jones, Kayla Shaffer, Sarah Sheaff, Lindsey Paddock, Angie Ballinger.