9-8-8 Board A Success!

For several months the Local Advisory Council (LAC), which works to promote well-being, mental health and assists with behavioral issues, has been working to fill 988 spaces on a board representing donors who contributed to the cause. 9-8-8 is the most recently activated toll-free phone number and it is a suicide help or crisis line. In an effort to bring awareness of the service the LAC created a tri-fold display. It was on display at various businesses where people could donate toward the Neighbor In Need project, which assists individuals who are facing current issues and seeking assistance.

Leona Siewing patiently relocated the display until the final numbers were assigned to an individuals phone number. Her patient nature and dedication to the project took several months. The fund raised $1,316 which will assist families or individuals in their challenges or trials. She was assisted by the LAC, Janice Reichelt and Morgan Streeter.

Businesses that hosted the board include Malta Medical Associates, River's Bend Assisted Living, The Tin Cup, Malta VFW Club, Phillips County Hospital, Phillips County Library, Phillips County Health Department, Great Northern Hotel, Malta High School, Whitewater School, First State Bank, Bank of Malta, Albertsons, Saco Pay-N-Save, Saco Dehy, Zortman Miners Cafe, Active Solutions, Malta City Hall- Ag Day, North 40, and the Westside Food Court & Deli.

The communities of Phillips County have shown their support for their neighbors in need, whether they know them or not. That is what living in this part of the country is all about...neighbor helping neighbor, friends helping friends. The outpouring support is indicative of the size of the hearts that fill the souls of this community of blessings of all shapes and sizes.

At the April meeting of the LAC on Tuesday, the name of Iris KillEagle, of Dodson, was randomly selected as the winner of $200 as part of the project. Congratulations, Iris.