Trussville Strong: Trussville community comes together in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about new challenges that have been testing communities around the world. The disease and its high rate of infection has resulted in disruptions across nearly every aspect of life across the United States. During these trying times, Trussville residents have been spreading hope and kindness through community, food and prayer while facing the pandemic together.

“Together Trussville, Together Strong” has become a motto emphasizing community, which is especially important during these uncertain times.

While high school seniors lost their final months of school, Hewitt-Trussville High School senior MaKenzie Ward has tried to stay positive amid the effects of the pandemic.

“This pandemic has affected my everyday routine, my school life, my church life and my business, Royal Celebrations,” Ward said. “During this season I am making changes to adjust and make the most of this quarantine time.”

Ward is continuing online classes through the high school and Jefferson State Community College as a dually-enrolled student.

“I am also staying in touch with my peers,” Ward said. “We have been supporting each other through this hard time and making plans to honor a fellow classmate who passed away earlier [in April].”

Ward and her sister Madison run Royal Celebrations, a business in Trussville for which the two dress up and perform at children’s parties.

“As the owner of Royal Celebrations, I am continuing to work by FaceTiming [video calling] girls as different princesses,” Ward said. “All the proceeds go directly to the Children’s Miracle Network. This has benefited more than just CMN, but it has lifted the spirits of girls all across the nation. Between my sister and I, we have made over 200 calls and raised $1,500 for this organization.

“I miss talking to my classmates daily, worshipping the Lord with hundreds of people in the same room and even hugging a little girl as Princess Belle at a birthday party. One thing is certain: I will never take those moments for granted ever again."

Local churches are also doing what they can despite not being allowed to host large gatherings.

“We realize in times like this how much we really do need each other,” Faith Community Fellowship Pastor Mike Ennis said. “At Faith Community Fellowship, we are ready to continue to love and serve our church family and families throughout our community.”

With houses of worship shutting their doors across the Trussville community due to the virus, Ennis’ church is one of many in the area doing most things virtually.

“We are fortunate in that we already livestream each Sunday, but we had to move the entire service to fit a totally virtual environment,” Ennis said. “The biggest adjustment here was trying to offer something that would benefit our three campuses and the three communities we serve, which include Pell City, Springville and Trussville.”

Ennis shared that in order to maintain the number of people gathered to create such a task, the staff had to adjust their production and worship teams to provide a quality ministry.

“In these uncertain and unprecedented times, we wanted to offer people an opportunity in the middle of the day, so we starting livestreaming what we call Daily Hope,” Ennis said. “It is a 15-minute time of worship and devotion aired daily at noon.”

It is so important for people to be in relationships and be encouraged by one another, he added. “Now more than ever.”

“We are called to serve God and one another, and being available to our community is critical to our church’s mission,” Ennis said. “From the beginning, we have been working on systems to identify our church and community needs.”

Such support included a prayer gathering to support patients and staff at St. Vincent’s East.

“In addition to reaching out to community leaders of our availability and willingness to serve, we have also been working with our leadership across all three church campuses to identify those able to serve and what types of services they could offer, including food insecure families and senior adults who need some assistance,” Ennis said.

With schools being closed, Great Harvest Bread Co. owner David Snyder had a willingness to serve the children of the community.

“We saw a need that children who may have received their only meals through the school program may be in need now that schools are closed,” Snyder said. “We collaborated with the Three Earred Rabbit and Kemp’s Kitchen, offering days where kids 12 and under can eat free  with the purchase of an adult meal.”

Like many businesses in the community feeling the impact of the recent ordinances in place preventing people to gather or dine in restaurants, Great Harvest Bread Co. acclimated quickly to provide innovative customer service.

“My talented staff stepped up and provided this without missing a beat,” Snyder said. “As a small business owner in Trussville, I have been humbled and touched by how our citizens have pulled together to support local businesses and the community as a whole.”

Even people who wouldn’t normally shop at Great Harvest Bread Co. have found ways to show their support.

“I have had several people walk into our bakery and say, ‘I am on a diet, but I want to come in and support local businesses’ or ‘I am buying bread for a neighbor who is at high risk for contracting the virus,’” Snyder said. “There have been people who have dropped off donations of diapers, food and money as they know we support our community and will ensure their donations will get to those in need.”

Great Harvest Bread Co. is working in conjunction with several businesses across the area to keep Trussville moving in the right direction.

“As a business community, we are looking for ways to help each other during this difficult time,” Snyder said. “Barnett’s Furniture needed Lysol spray to disinfect their furniture and fabrics. They had supplies we needed, so we swapped. Both Joe Meadows of Slag Heap and Brian Kemp of Kemp’s Kitchen have collaborated to support one another.

“These are unwarranted times, times that make it seem like it is ‘every person for themselves,’ but honestly I don’t see that here in Trussville.”

For more photos, see our photo galleries here.