Community reaches out helping hand
Michelle Rivera, CT News Reporter
April 18, 2007
On all the downtown Blacksburg streetlights, fluttering yellow ribbons with the words "In Loving Memory" commemorate those lost in the tragedy at Virginia Tech on Monday morning.
Downtown shops and restaurants have also posted supportive signs on their front windows and doors to announce discounts and to offer supportive as well as mournful words for the victims and those touched by the horrific events.
On the billboard of The Lyric are the words "Our hearts are with you VT."
At Pee Wee's Pit Barbeque, two ribbons similar to those posted on the streetlights adorn the cashier counter. On the restaurant's door and shop window, signs declaring "free food for police, fire, and EMS today" welcome service personnel.
"The free food started after we opened when things were safe," said Chris Vogt, owner of Pee Wee's. "We wanted to do something for the people keeping us safe and figured that they'd need a good place to eat." Free food was available Monday and Tuesday. "These people have been putting themselves at risk for us and we're trying to express our appreciation," said Vogt.
Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches also offered their support with discounts on catered food Monday afternoon to the Tech and Blacksburg Emergency Medical Services. Additionally, free food and platters were offered at some counseling areas.
"I went to the police department at around 9:30pm," said David Trivett, owner of Jimmy John's in Blacksburg. "I wanted to see if they needed free food."
Not only was support offered to service personnel, but shops and restaurants are also doing their part for the victims and those affected by the tragedy as well.
Ryan Fowler, a bar manager for Sharkey's and Tech graduate, said that all the proceeds from Monday and Tuesday will be donated to a fund for the victim's of the shootings. "Please come in where you are safe and among friends, not so we can forget yesterday but so that we can overcome it," says a sign on the front window.
"Everyone who works and comes here a lot came here yesterday as soon as they heard about what happened," said Fowler. "No one wanted to go home."
At High Peak Sportswear, "In Memory Of" T-shirts will be sold today, for VT students, family members, friends and loved ones that lost a friend or family member during the tragic events of Monday," according to signs outside of and within the store.
"We're selling the shirts at the price it costs to make them, but we're not making a profit," said Marcus McClellan, sales associate of High Peak Sportswear and a junior at Blacksburg High School.
From the ribbons to discounts and words of support, downtown Blacksburg businesses have been providing and continuing to offer constant support.