Dorothy Oliver runs the only general store in Panola, AL. While the store provides a great service for the town’s 144 residents, Oliver saw a need for something much more crucial for her neighbors – especially once COVID-19 hit.
Her small town of mostly Black, elderly people were often overlooked – especially during COVID. Internet, phone, and transportation access were sparse – and the nearest hospital was many miles away.
But this wasn’t just about the pandemic. It was about a much larger issue.
Oliver wanted her community to be valued, COVID or not. She discovered that if she could get 40 people to agree to get vaccines, she could get a pop-up vaccination station implemented.
But something unexpected happened – and all because of Oliver’s approach.
Using old-fashioned kindness, she persuaded nearly the entire town to get vaccinated! Her elderly neighbors couldn’t come to her quickly, so she went door-to-door. She got people signed up and arranged for rides.
But her mission ensured her community wouldn’t be overlooked again!
Oliver’s love for her community helped nearly everyone in her community get the health care they deserved. More than that, she helped an overlooked community be counted during a pandemic.
Regardless of where you stand on the vaccine, her love and kindness is worth emulating. How can you show love to your community?