By Quinta Goines

Parents and children from Brundidge and surrounding areas gathered on Main Street Saturday for the annual Each One Reach One fellowship day.

This year was the third year Karen Rouse organized the event and this year’s activities started off with a parade and a program featuring Mayor Jimmy Ramage, Councilwoman Cynthia Pearson and the Rev. Dr. S.D. James.

Rouse said she was inspired to do something for the community after the increase in the nation’s murders, thefts and kidnappings within the past few years.

“We are supposed to look out for our neighbors,” she said. “How can we protect our neighbors and care for each other and we don’t know each other?”

The Each One Reach One events are held the third Saturday of July to give community members a chance to interact in a positive way.

Ramage greeted attendees and welcomed the out-of-towners to Brundidge. “We always enjoy having people come into town for Each One Reach One, and Karen Rouse does a good job of putting the event together,” Ramage said.

James was the main speaker. His speech focused on self-motivation, and he encouraged listeners to motivate themselves.

The program featured a concert by War. “The members of the group were able to bring a positive message through their music, especially for the kids to relate to.” Rouse said.

Sheriff Russell Thomas and Deputy Willie Cope gave a presentation on drug prevention and awareness to the students and parents. “Deputy Cope left the door open for parents and children to call them if they are struggling with something or just need someone to talk to.”

“I am also glad we can work with our law enforcement in our community, but it’s not just their jobs to keep us safe,” Rouse said. “`Community members have to make an effort to keep our neighborhoods safe.”

This year Rouse and other Each One Reach One coordinators were able to give away 100 bikes to children that attended the event.

“We decided to give away bikes this year, because we have to be able to connect with our youth,” she said. “After it was over we saw so many kids riding off on their bikes, so it was a good feeling to know we are impacting children’s lives.”