God Winks in action w/ Helping Hands

Meet Cathy and Mitch Reynolds. They are active members of the community and all but something beautiful and truly amazing occurred during the start of this pandemic when Cathy went to the store to shop for meals for the week, knowing she was going to be isolated in her home with her family for quite some time. Upon arriving home after grocery shopping, she realized she had forgotten an ingredient for a meal, which got her thinking. How many have forgotten items from their grocery list? How many don't have the means to go to the store to prepare for the quarantine? How many shouldn't be going out during this time due to their fragile health or weakened immunity? Upon reflection, Cathy acted with HEART! She created a Facebook account to respond to the needs of those in her community: Helping Hands in Jersey County.

She reached out to her friends in the community, and never - in her wildest dreams - would have realized the response she received. I spoke to Cathy recently to get the scoop, and she responded exactly how I expected she would - with these statements: 

• So many people want to be helpful. 
• There are so many benefits to participating in Helping Hands. 
• We just need to pull together and work together for the good. 
• I was raised to help people.
• It's been really rewarding. 
• Someone always jumps up.
• I’ve been so amazed by the response.
• God Winks are at work daily. 
  
  

She also shared stories about people. A former Jersey County resident now living in Texas wanted to help out. She reached out to Cathy, requesting her address so she could send needed items her way. How amazing is that? And all the way from Texas!! A daughter who lives away from her mother wanted to ensure her mom's needs were met as well. She reached out to Cathy, again - sending more supplies. Easter supplies were donated for kids. And the masks, WOW! So many stepped up to help with masks. It was such a collaborative effort. For those who weren't proficient with the 'ole sewing machine, they cut fabric or sent donations. Then those who sewed, well they truly sewed! Masks, many masks, were made and distributed to all parts of Jersey County - and outside Jersey County as well. If there was a need and it was possible to fill, it was filled! Coordinated by Cathy but with the help of SO many! Donations were provided and sometimes Cathy was convinced the products were an answer from God. 

​Cathy shared the story about an unusual request she received from a community member who couldn't go out. She requested some hamburgers and orange juice, which were available. She had asked, too, for French fries. Cathy knew this was not an item in stock but would see what she could do. Not long after that conversation, a community member had dropped off a donation on Cathy's front porch (which is the means for receiving donations and picking and picking them up for delivery). She messaged Cathy to ensure she knew the items were there. What was included? You guessed it: French fries.  God Winks...

There are so many stories to share about Helping Hands. It really took the deliberate action of one with the courage to ask for the assistance of others that created a movement that has impacted the lives of so many, even kids. Pictured above is Cathy's son, Walker, who is seen helping out too, delivering goods. He is an eighth grade student at Jersey Community High School. "Let the kids feel this giving spirit." It's all about the modeling and the feeling that giving back generates.  

It's important to mention that Mitch is a Jerseyville police officer and Cathy runs a preschool out of her home. You might see Mitch at the local library, taking part in a read aloud for kids. Although not currently holding preschool in her home, Cathy provides activity packets for her lil’ ones. She also records videos that her kiddos can view at their home so learning remains a part of their routine.

The Reynolds Family continues to give back, serving the community in which they go and grow with a whole lot of HEART! They also wish to thank the community for their continued support. To sum it up, I’ll use Cathy’s own words: “We are ALL neighbors in Jersey County."