Fred Rogers once said, “When I was a boy, and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’
This past spring was unlike any other for our community and others around the world. As most residents anxiously sheltered in place separated from the outside world, many emerged to fill essential needs and quell fears. We are thankful for these heroic helpers.
Monica Sharp
Store Director, Flower Mound Market Street
When the coronavirus hit, residents flocked to stores for essential supplies, and grocery store employees like Monica Sharp became frontline heroes.
How have you contributed to your community during the COVID-19 outbreak?
“As a grocery store, we provide food and household goods to our Flower Mound community, but during the COVID-19 outbreak, we have seen our role expand even more. I am really proud of our store team. They have served guests, despite very long hours and difficult circumstances.”
Why did you feel it was important to help others during this time?
“Our goal is always to help out when we are needed the most. We’ve done some fun things too, like giving away flowers to those front-line workers in the healthcare community. It is our goal to help out the community when we are needed most.”
What advice would you give to others who are looking for ways to help out in their community?
“A good way for the community to be involved is to help non-profit organizations such as Love Pacs, CCA and the local food banks that work to address food insecurity.”
Dr. Sean Fleming
Emergency Department Medical Director, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Flower Mound
Dr. Sean Fleming has been Emergency Department Medical Director at Texas Health Flower Mound since 2012 and Medical Director for the Town of Flower Mound Fire Department since 2014. He has seen first-hand the devastation caused by the COVID-19 virus.
How have you contributed to your community during the COVID-19 outbreak?
“Since we were not one of the first areas to be directly impacted, we had more time for preparation. This included countless meetings, tracking down Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), researching methods to prolong the viability of the PPE, along with learning about the disease and treatment options.”
Why did you feel it was important to help others during this time?
“Emergency Medicine has a history of caring for those that many try and avoid: the poor, the homeless, those with psychiatric issues and the abused. COVID-19 is another example when we run to the person in need while others run away. The first responders and nursing staff working alongside have the same servant mentality.”
What advice would you give to others who are looking for ways to help out in their community?
“If you want to go DO something, donate blood if you can, check on the elderly and make the trip to the grocery store for them so they don’t have to, or help with a charity that is helping the less fortunate that have lost their jobs. Remember, we are all in this together.”
Judge Andy Eads
Denton County Judge
As the Denton County Judge, Andy Eads is responsible for issuing disaster declarations and executive orders during emergencies.
How have you contributed to your community during the COVID-19 outbreak?
“I worked closely with the Commissioners Court and a team of staff members, including Chief Jody Gonzalez of Emergency Services, Dr. Matt Richardson with our Public Health Department, Director of Administration Shannon Joski and Director of Community Relations Dawn Cobb to outline a plan of action for how we would address public health and safety issues. We worked closely with our city and school leaders throughout the pandemic to keep them informed, as well as receive their input. I also coordinated with area county judges, our local state delegation and others to ensure we have the public’s safety at the forefront of our actions in Denton County.”
Why did you feel it was important to help others during this time?
“My role in county government and on the Denton County Commissioners Court is to be a servant leader, along with my fellow court members, in providing services to our residents. Serving others is why I became a Commissioner and, later, a County Judge, in the first place.”
What advice would you give to others who are looking for ways to help out in their community?
“My first suggestion would be to check in on your neighbors. Secondly, I ask that everyone support their local businesses in any way that they can. They have taken a hard hit with this pandemic, and they need all of us helping them to recover and regain their footing. And, lastly, volunteer if you can. If you are unsure of where to volunteer, please go to our website dentoncounty.gov and click on the Volunteer link.”
Brystol Williams
Creator of Spread Cheer Not Fear
Nine-year-old Brystol Williams of Lake Dallas is proof that one is never too young to make a large impact.
How have you contributed to your community during the COVID-19 outbreak?
“I have started a ‘Spread Cheer Not Fear’ campaign during the COVID-19 crisis. I was very concerned about my friends at school that might have a hard time getting groceries and food since we wouldn't be in school. So my mom and I designed a shirt with our slogan and sold them through Facebook. All of the profits from the shirts were used to buy the food.”
Why did you feel it was important to help others during this time?
“I wanted to help others during this time because I was so worried about some kids not being able to have the food they needed. I know that parents have lost jobs during this time, and the students often need the meals at school. So I wanted to do my part to make sure that I could help.”
What advice would you give to others who are looking for ways to help out in their community?
“The advice I would give others during this time would be to make sure you are doing your part to help those in need. To check on your friends and your neighbors to make sure they are OK. Sometimes people won't reach out for help unless you ask. So let’s all do our part to ask. ”
Beth Ann Beckmann and Hollie Wilson
Social Workers for Lewisville ISD
Lewisville ISD Social Workers Beth Ann Beckmann and Hollie Wilson have been on the frontline helping Lewisville ISD families during the COVID-19 crisis.
How have you contributed to your community during the COVID-19 outbreak?
“As social workers, we have collaborated with a team of professionals and community stakeholders to identify risk and protective factors of our families. Additionally, we have helped identify gaps in services and advocated for the needs of our families from our community and faith-based partnerships. Currently, our primary focus is to establish resources and connection to community partners to fulfill our student and families basic needs.”
Why did you feel it was important to help others during this time?
“Oftentimes when there is a crisis, people may lose sight of their individual strengths and abilities. They may be impacted by external influences that are beyond their control, or simply feel overwhelmed with the current situation. Walking alongside others as they attempt to stabilize themselves and their families allows them an opportunity to feel supported during a very uncertain time. We also feel the importance of helping others during this time as we know that our community has a wealth of resources and support and we want to ensure our families are connected to those valuable services.”
What advice would you give to others who are looking for ways to help out in their community?
“We love that people want to help and support; we are so blessed to live in a community where so many give so freely to others. People may contact local resources such as CCA, Salvation Army, LovePacs, Mission Moms, North Texas Food Bank, Sparrow Collective, Next Steps Center, or their local chamber. Additionally, we have occasional volunteer needs through LISD, which may be found at LISD.net/covid19volunteer.”
