EUTAWVILLE - The holiday spirit is alive and well in Eutawville this year.

A bed of festive red mulch now nestles around the green plants on the islands at the intersection of Highways 6 and 45 near the heart of town - a gift to all the people of Eutawville from one local businessman.

After reading a recent Times & Democrat account of how the town had begun work on the area since senior citizen members of the Eutawville Garden Club were no longer able to maintain it, David Cooper, owner of The Mulch Yard on Highway 6 outside of Eutawville, wanted to lend a helping hand.

"I know it wasn't a previously budgeted expense for the town," Cooper said. "Times are tough for everyone, but I suddenly thought, 'This is a way I could help.'"

And, it is Cooper's hope that the extra holiday spruce-up will not only benefit all residents by helping keep town expenses low while enhancing the appearance of Eutawville to draw in more business, but he also hopes when others see the attractive landscaping, it will inspire them to look for ways they can pitch in, too.

"Money's tight everywhere now, but if we all reach out a little, we can come together as a team to keep improving our town every day," Cooper said. "I just feel blessed I had something I could share."

It's just that spirit of selfless giving that built this town in the past, Mayor Robert Collins says.

"The people of Eutawville are the best around, and I'm honored to represent them. On behalf of the town, I'd like to commend Mr. Cooper, not only for his generous gift, but also for the reminder that together, we cannot fail."

Yes, Eutawville, there is a Santa Claus.

"It's each one of us," the mayor said.

T&D Correspondent Diane Gainer can be reached by e-mail at bcdthinktank@yahoo.com. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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