Santa and Mrs. Claus waved to children on Vicksburg’s Main Street from behind the glass. 
Jeff Duncan presents a check to Sheri Louis of Generous Hands. 
Mallery and Michael Moore, owner of Main Street Pub. 
Vicksburg Village Manager Jim Mallery, Deb Debault and John Debault, owners of Rise N Dine.
By Kathy Oswalt-Forsythe
As 2020 closes, the year will be remembered as one of many challenges and difficulties. But sometimes, crisis brings out the best in people and communities. Repeatedly, this is the case in South County. Acts of kindness and gestures designed to encourage and lift others continue, often surfacing on social media, highlighting area individuals and groups.
In December, a couple who asked to remain anonymous approached the Village of Vicksburg’s leadership, desiring to help individuals and businesses in the community. South County Community Services assisted in identifying those in need. Using the couple’s generous financial gift, Rise N Dine and Main Street Pub provided meals for 200 people, both seniors and younger people, who might have gone without during the holiday season. This couple’s kindness supported the two restaurants and brightened the season for so many.
Local police officers who look forward each year to “Shop With a Cop” adjusted their protocols and continued their annual tradition of Christmas shopping with selected children, building important bridges to community families and children.
December nights were illuminated in both communities as residents decorated homes, businesses and streets for the season. Schoolcraft continued its luminaries along Grand, and homes around the village seemed in cheerful competition, providing enjoyment for all ages and a sense of connectedness.
Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram buzzed with night-time images of the two villages.
Area residents continue to support local agencies and check in with neighbors. Churches are learning to provide worship and connections in creative ways. Local governmental bodies continue to look for ways to support community businesses through grants and innovative funding.
After years of vacancy, beautiful holiday displays glowed in several storefronts in Vicksburg, and Santa and Mrs. Claus waved to children from the old Dancer’s building on Main Street.
And good news for the new year: Health providers and nursing home residents are receiving vaccines, delivering a dose of optimism about recovery from the pandemic.
The spirit of hope, kindness and compassion is alive and well in South County.