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Residents of Williams plan to Pay it Forward
Event scheduled to honor Fire and Police Departments

<br>Patrick Whitehurst/WGCN<br>
Williams Police Chief Herman Nixon directs traffic during a summer event in Williams. Organizers plan to honor police and fire officials for their part in the recent Twin Fire.

<br>Patrick Whitehurst/WGCN<br> Williams Police Chief Herman Nixon directs traffic during a summer event in Williams. Organizers plan to honor police and fire officials for their part in the recent Twin Fire.

WILLIAMS - After witnessing the efforts of local agencies to protect the city of Williams during the Twin Wildfire, some residents of Williams want to thank them while at the same time promoting a concept they call "Pay it Forward."

The Williams Pay it Forward Action Team headed by Kevin Young plans to honor and raise money for the Williams Volunteer Fire Department and Williams Police Department at an event to be held at the Williams Rodeo Grounds Nov. 7 from 5-9 p.m. The Williams Pays it Forward benefit will feature music, dancing, raffle and food and drinks.

"We'll have a good old fashioned shindig to thank all these ladies and gentlemen that played an integral part in looking out for our community," Young said.

Organizers of the event say they want to promote the Pay it Forward concept in Williams. Judy Lollich said the basic principle of the concept is helping someone in need without expecting anything in return. Instead, the individual who receives the help in turn helps three more people, creating a groundswell of goodwill.

"The reason we're calling the event Pay it Forward is that all the proceeds we make that night will be split between the fire department and police department to give them seed money to do something good for the community in the future. All we want to do is thank people who really did save our community," Lollich said.

Williams Police Chief Herman Nixon said the police department can always use extra funding for community programs.

"Obviously if they're doing some type of benefit that is going to collect funds for us that we can use for community programs then we're going to accept that because there are so many community programs that we're involved with that we just don't have funding for right now," he said. "We appreciate any time we can get funds for some of the programs we like doing for the community like the Red Ribbon Campaign or the car seat program."

Young and Lollich said they don't envision the Pay It Forward Action Team as an active committee after the event takes place. They hope that a spirit of goodwill will catch on in the community.

"You sort of plant that pay it forward seed by reminding people that the next time you see someone that needs help, whatever kind of help it is, just remember that we helped you and so help them," said Lollich. "It perpetuates itself."

Young said the committee is seeking donations of time, money or items to be included in the event's raffle. To take part in the benefit or to contribute, contact Young, (928) 380-0185 or Lindie Rodgers, (928) 699-3641.


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