Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, August 10, 1995 TAG: 9508100045
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: ROBERT FREIS STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Most of them haven't met him in person. They read about the 2-year-old from Christiansburg in the newspaper two weeks ago.
George has spina bifida and a number of other congenital ailments that keep him in a wheelchair and complicate his life.
After reading about George - who maintains a sunny disposition despite all his medical problems - about 30 people have contributed nearly $3,000 to the George McKinnely Smith Handicapped Accessible Van Fund.
His grandmother, Linda Smith, who has legal guardianship of George, needs a van to take her grandson to his many doctors' appointments.
"I was really amazed," Linda Smith said Wednesday. "That people care, that's the big thing."
Contributions have come from businesses and individuals. One donor sent a check for $1,045. Smith says the least she can do is send thank-you notes.
Additionally, local radio station Majic 105 plans to have a fund-raising event for area handicapped children with George as the focus, said Mike Stater, general sales manager.
That event will probably occur after the fall college term begins and involve campus social organizations, he said.
Donations for the fund are still being accepted by the National Bank of Blacksburg at P.O. Box 90002, Blacksburg, Va. 24062-9002.
"It looks really promising," said Susan Lindsey, a social worker who aids families with disabled children.
Linda Smith has a full-time job caring for George, his twin sister, Ashley, and his half-brother, Billy. She has to depend on public assistance to get by.
She dislikes being dependant on others and was hesitant to issue a public appeal for help. "It was the only way," she said.
by CNB