It’s now been a week since the horrific event in which a woman’s life was taken in a vicious dog attack. The incident happened the weekend before Thanksgiving, a truly terrible time to lose a mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt and friend. We can only imagine how tough the holiday must have been for Barbara Brewington’s loved ones. Our prayers are definitely with them, and will continue to be.
While there’s no way of knowing how such a tragedy might have been prevented, there is something we can do to help this young woman’s surviving family. Barbara’s sister, Samantha Gomez, started a GoFundMe campaign the day after the attack, and while it started out with a goal of $4,000, the campaign quickly gained speed and now stands at over $18,000, with a new goal of $22,000.
It makes us proud of our Sampson community to know that so many people have been touched by this story and have been willing to donate to help Brewington’s husband and three children. While we’re sure that not all of the $18,830 raised as of this writing came from Sampson County, it’s a good bet that a lot of it did come from our community, and we are sure the Brewington family is forever grateful.
It just so happens that today, Tuesday, Dec. 2, is Giving Tuesday, a time set aside to donate to causes that mean the most to us. We encourage our readers to give as they’re able, and try to help someone less fortunate this holiday season. It can be a joyous time of the year, but also a very stressful and sad time for those who are struggling to make ends meet, or who have lost a loved one, or are facing a debilitating diagnosis.
Whatever cause means the most to you, we urge you to give if you can.
We need only look at the meaning for the Christmas season — the birth of Jesus Christ — as a reason to give. After all, God gave us the greatest gift of all, his Son. The least we can do is give to someone else who needs it.
Whether it’s the Brewington family’s GoFundMe, the United Way of Sampson County, your church or another organization that tugs at your heartstrings, we hope you’ll give today.
And, if you are the one who needs a little assistance to get through this season, we hope that you’ll reach out to those who can help. It’s often tough to admit you need help, but please know that if you are in need, there is someone there that you can lean on for whatever situation you are facing. If you’re experiencing domestic violence , there’s U Care. If you need a little help getting food on the table, there are numerous food pantries throughout Sampson County. If you need assistance with bills, many churches or other nonprofit organizations are waiting for your call.
Do not ever think it is hopeless. As the Good Lord once said, “Ask, and you shall receive.”
You just might get your Christmas miracle, after all. Or, you may be the one to provide that miracle to someone else. ‘Tis the season.