The business communities of Selma and Dallas County never cease to amaze us. Their kindness is often displayed through their donations to charities and organizations.

The use of the Selma Mall fountain to raise money for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital is the latest example of their generosity and giving spirit.

A story in Tuesday’s edition of The Times-Journal highlighted a newly formed relationship between the Selma Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha and the Selma Mall. The partnership will allow &045;&045; over a period of time &045;&045; all money tossed into the fountain to be donated to the hospital.

Even though the effort of our business community is strong, much of the effort to donate will begin with each of you, our readers, and other Selma and Dallas County residents.

Kathi Smith &045;&045; president of the local Epsilon Sigma Alpha chapter &045;&045; said the group hopes to raise $10,000. That goal can be reached only if we reach deep into our pockets and our hearts and give all the coins we can.

People often wonder where their donations go and into whose hands the money ends up. The good thing about dealing with a local business such as the Selma Mall is that you know the people who are responsible for handling the donations. And with that knowledge comes accountability. This should give those who are hesitant to give the confidence they need to reach out a helping hand to those in need.

We must help those children who are sick and in need of the critical care that St. Jude’s Hospital helps. We encourage each of you to take the time to drop the change from your pocket into the fountain at the Selma Mall. Remember: The heavier the coin the larger the impact.