Tireless effort by committee
To the editor:
I want to acknowledge the blood, sweat, and tears put forth by the Ware County Bicentennial Committee over the entirety of 2024, especially Roy Rhodes, who worked tirelessly to plan and execute several fundraisers and functions all throughout the year.
We had a good core group of about 15 or so, all with ideas, but without Roy, we never would’ve gone as far as we did, nor get half of those ideas implemented.
I do, however, take issue with the Ware County Commissioners. A couple of them showed up for the photo ops with our Congressmen on Saturday and Sunday, but as far as lending support throughout the year, they were nowhere to be found and couldn’t be heard supporting us either. Remember this the next time they want your vote to spend your money in the county. They don’t appear to care.
I would be remiss if I didn’t commend Sheriff Carl James and the Ware County Sheriff’s Office for all the security, support and traffic-related help they provided. They are truly servants of the community who deserve our respect.
A couple of Ware County heads do stand out for coming out and helping. Our new coroner, David Jordan, stepped up every chance he could and helped for hours at a time. Jason Rubenbauer came and supported our events along with their wonderful wives. Thank you gentlemen. Also, Frank Bartanowitz, Ware County Airport Director.
The Georgia Line Dancers, who hadn’t performed together for years, outdid themselves practicing long hours every week. When they performed at the fairgrounds, their hard work showed in the flawless performance they turned in. Kudos ladies.
A once-in-200-years event deserves all the bells and whistles we can muster and we, the committee, gave it our best shot. Had we had the vocal and visual support of our city and county governments, just imagine how extraordinary the events we were able to put on could have been.
Roy Rhodes, you are indeed a man who puts his community first and I thank you.
Dawn Hanson (Ware Co. Bicentennial) Waycross
Thanks for help in shoebox drive
To the editor:
The overwhelming generosity of the people of Waycross helped provide joy to children in need through Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts this season.
Across the U.S., the Samaritan's Purse project collected 10.5 million shoebox gifts in 2024. Combined with those collected from partnering countries in 2024, the ministry is now sending over 11.9 million shoebox gifts to children worldwide.
Shoebox packers brought joy and hope to children around the world through fun, full, personalized gifts. For many children, this is the first gift they have ever received. Each shoebox gift is a tangible expression of God’s love, given to children in need around the world.
Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 232 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories.
Across the region, shoebox packers often shop for deals on shoebox items throughout the year, and many serve at a deeper level by becoming a year-round volunteer. Information about ways area participants can get involved yearround can also be found at samaritanspurse. org/occ.
Although local Waycross drop-off locations for shoebox gifts are closed until November 17-24, 2025, anyone can still be a part of this life-changing project by conveniently packing a shoebox gift online in just a few simple clicks at samaritanspurse.org/buildonline.
These simple gifts, packed with love, remind children around the world that they are loved and not forgotten.
GreenLee Smith Samaritan’s Purse
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