Clara and Rhuben Ellis were awarded for being great fans Friday night by Terry Jackson, who works for the Selma Parks and Recreation Department.

Jackson said the couple comes to almost every single youth football game throughout the season, despite not having a rooting interest for one particular team.

He’s seen them buy equipment so that players who wouldn’t be allowed to play can take the field.

“They always ask me ‘Do you have any kids that want to play real bad that may not have nothing?” Jackson said.  “And I might say ‘yeah, I have a kid every day that walks out here and he can’t get his equipment.’ They’ll ask me what he needs and he’ll get it. That means a lot to me. That means they just care about the kids.”

The couple never asked for any recognition in return, but Jackson made sure to thank them Friday for all that they’ve done.

Their giving is a reminder that our local sports programs, schools and communities always need support, whether that be by donating money or attending games and cheering loudly from the stands.

It’s also a good example of two local people making a difference in the community by helping where they can.

It’s something we should all take note of, especially during this Christmas season where there are so many opportunities to give in Selma and Dallas County.