Townville community rallies

The Townville community rallied yesterday with a blood drive in honor of Jacob Hall, the six-year old boy who died Saturday.  Jacob’s tragedy was on the minds of many across the area, including those who took part in a cruise event Saturday afternoon in Westminster.  A moment of silence, followed by prayer, and the release of balloons into an autumn sky above the Westminster Depot was a poignant reminder of the value of lives.  The Hall family said of Jacob:  “He showed us how to love, laugh, and smile even on days we did not want to.  God gave him to us and he was taken from us by a senseless act.  We know that Jacob has already forgiven this child for what he did to him and his family because that’s the kind of child he was.”  Dr. Keith Webb of the GHS Children’s Hospital said, “Jacob was a tremendous fighter but was unable to overcome the catastrophic blood loss and resulting cardiopulmonary arrest caused when the bullet hit his femoral artery….”  And Senator Lindsey Graham issued this statement:  “Like all South Carolinians my heart is broken to hear the news that Jacob Hall has passed away.  “I spoke to his family yesterday and assured them that everyone in our state is keeping them in their prayers. Jacob is now in the hands of a loving God. I will continue praying for this family and all others affected by such senseless violence and tragedy.”