For over 50 years, Jewish families of the Deep South have considered Henry S. Jacobs Camp “their camp”, but they are not the only ones. We also have a long and deep relationship with our neighbors and friends here in the community of Utica, MS.
Our amazing neighbors have supported Jacobs Camp throughout our long history, feeling a sense of ownership for our small Jewish camp that is also one of the largest employers in this small town.
This past week, when winter storm Uri brought dangerous, freezing temperatures to our area knocking out electricity and water to Utica, my husband, Nadav, and I knew we had to do something to help.
Jacobs Camp is blessed to own and operate our own water well. Even without power, we were able to open camp for water distribution. Nadav is the Deputy Fire Chief in Utica, so he alerted the Fire Department. We also sent messages to our neighbors and posted on our local Facebook groups inviting everyone to come and get as much water as they needed. Calls and texts came in all day from grateful neighbors, and they arrived with anything and everything they could find to fill with water.
All day, we heard words of gratitude:
“Thank you for being such a caring neighbor”
“Thank you for opening your arms up for our community!”
“Thank you for your kindness! God Bless”.
These challenging times bring us the opportunity to recognize what is really important – our friends and family. The community here in Utica is deeply important to Jacobs Camp, and Nadav and I are so glad that we were able to help in this time of need.
Anna Herman has served as the Director of Henry S. Jacobs Camp since August 2014. She was a long-time camper and counselor who grew up coming to camp from Dothan, Alabama.