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Peggy Kirkland made community, world better

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Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts are taught to do their part to leave this world a better place than they found it. However, this is a valuable lesson we all should practice.

Peggy Kirkland certainly exemplified that sentiment during her life. She dedicated her life to helping others, even complete strangers. She didn’t do it for any sort of reward or award. Rather, she simply sought to serve and make a difference.

I first met Ms. Peggy years ago during a story assignment regarding the S.C. Regional Housing Authority #3 where she dedicated more than 30 years of service. The exact details of our first encounter have slipped my mind, but I’ll never forget her positive attitude, sweet demeanor, and heart of gold. Those God-given attributes guided Ms. Peggy’s life of selfless service.

She was always helping someone.

She helped people on a daily basis through her job at the S.C. Regional Housing Authority #3 in Barnwell. She cared for her clients and worked hard to not only find them housing, but to ensure they had the resources they needed.

However, she didn’t have to be on the clock to help. She would rise to the occasion anytime she encountered someone in need – even if they were a stranger. She worked with community partners to feed the hungry, house the homeless, and get the downtrodden back on their feet. This newspaper has covered many of those stories, though she never wanted the story to be about her. It was all about getting the community involved and spreading a message of hope.

Ms. Peggy didn’t let age slow her down. In fact, she was photographed several years ago jumping rope in her mid-70s. I’m 35 and I doubt I could jump rope, at least not successfully.

She kept working and doing for others up until her recent illness and passing.

Ms. Peggy is a shining example of living life to the fullest in order to make a big impact on the community and world.

Earlier this year, she was quoted as saying, “My daily prayer is to do something for someone every day, even if it’s just a smile and a hug.”

Though there will never be another Peggy Kirkland, we can all make the world a better place by learning from her life of service, including:

Smile – Ms. Peggy showed just how much a simple smile can mean to someone. Afterall, smiling is infectious.

Be kind – There’s too much hate in this world. That’s why we should all be kind to one another. I’ve always been taught to treat others as I want to be treated. As a Christian, Ms. Peggy certainly did just that. Faith was a big part of her life.

Listen – Sometimes people just need to talk. That’s when we need to simply be quiet and listen. We might even learn something new.

Be selfless – Don’t do things because you expect recognition. Do it because it’s the right thing to do. Ms. Peggy helped people because she had a passion for serving.

Don’t judge – Ms. Peggy often encountered people who others might often overlook or ignore, such as the homeless. However, she never judged them or questioned their need for help. She had a genuine heart for service and did everything in her power to help, or worked to find others to help when it was beyond her resources and capabilities.

Barnwell County has lost a true friend, servant, resource, and advocate. But her legacy of service lives on in the lives of those she helped.