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Pam Dudding
Contributing writer
Gifts tend to bring a sweet smile to one’s face and warmth to one’s heart, especially on Valentine’s Day.
This year, the Craig County High School football team made many happy.
Coach Jayke Dowdy and his wife Morgan Dowdy, also a teacher, had the idea of selling “candygrams” for only $1 which they would then deliver to students and teachers in all three of Craig County schools on Valentine’s Day.
They went to work with their advertising and within a short period of time, were shocked at the huge response they received from students, teachers, staff, family members and even people within the community.
“We were shocked!” some shared. “We sold 1,198 candygrams in all!”
They noted that it took quite a while to separate all the candygrams into grades and classes but was all worth the work.
On Feb. 14, the football players delivered all 1,198 candygrams. The students and staff were very excited to receive theirs.
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“It always feels good when we can find ways to get the boys active in their community,” Dowdy shared. “Football only lasts for so long, but being an involved member of the community is something they can strive to be for a long time.”
The players seemed to have as much fun delivering the candygrams as the recipients had in receiving them.
They shared that some students, giggled, some laughed, and some turned a pretty red blush, while others joked or became a bit shy in the receiving.
“It makes me feel good that people are enjoying things we can provide and it helps out with our team at the same time!” shared Tyler Fitzpatrick, a junior player.
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Sophomore Josh Craft added, “It feels good to make other people happy and to make their day!”
Many classes received candy for all the class members from family and community members, not wanting anyone to be left out.
And, the teachers were sweetly amazed at all of their candygrams and kind gestures.
“THANK YOU!” Coach Dowdy exclaimed! “There is no way to truly express the gratitude that I have for this community! We had an overwhelming amount of support for our ‘Kindness fundraiser’ with a total of 1,198 candygrams sold!”
He added, “The community really stepped up and knocked this out of the park! I’d like to specifically thank Beckie Horton, Mrs. Coach Dowdy, Susan Holtman and Carrie Hutton for helping me assemble all of these for our staff and students.”
Coach Dowdy shared, “My family is new to this area, but it’s a place that we are proud to call home.”
The team hopes to make this an annual tradition as part of Kindness Week, next year, probably delivering even more of their candygrams, bringing joy and love to the entire school.
“I’ve never been prouder to be a Rocket!” Coach Dowdy added.