Deputies, officers raise funds for 2 students
By María Camp
RED BAY — The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and the Red Bay Police Department will hold a basketball game fundraiser on Saturday to help cover medical expenses for two school-age boys, Sawyer Knoblock and Paxton Brooks.
Sgt. Kyle Palmer of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office said the idea started with Lt. Chad Holcombe of the Red Bay Police Department, who was inspired by the annual for-fun basketball game between the FCSO and RPD.
Holcombe suggested hosting a similar game in Red Bay, but with proceeds going to the two families, Palmer said. He said the plan came together quickly.
Palmer said he and Holcombe started reaching out to local businesses to ask for donations and sponsorships. Some businesses donated cash, others contributed food for concessions. He said about 40 businesses have contributed so far. He said donations have ranged from small gifts to contributions as large as $1,000.
The effort has raised a little more than $7,500, Palmer said, noting more contributions are expected before tipoff.
Palmer said money raised will be split evenly between the two families.
He said the families are well known in the Red Bay and Vina areas, so the response from the community has not surprised him.
“This community always pulls together when somebody needs help, especially when it’s children,” Palmer said.
Students from Red Bay have also signed up to help with the event, including working concessions, helping at the gate and assisting with cleanup, Palmer said. He said their participation has taken pressure off organizers.
Lt. Clint Holcombe of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office said the idea gained momentum once officers started talking about what they could do and how quickly people wanted to get involved.
“It really caught fire and started spreading, and there was already a lot of support in the community,” he said. “It’s been an outpouring of compassion from people, businesses, people who hold various offices, law enforcement officers, churches and the school system. I’m proud of how it’s come together.”
Red Bay Police Chief Janna Jackson said she hopes the community will turn out to support the families.
“We just hope everyone who can will come out and be a part of it,” Jackson said. “It’s one of the best things we can do to help these families during this time.”
Tipoff is at 7 p.m. in the Red Bay High School gym with doors opening at 6 p.m. Admission is $5. A table will be set up at the door to accept additional donations for those who wish to make them.
