Oprah's 'Big Give' Comes to Highland, AR

Oprah is known for her generosity. Her “Big Give” program is one more example. The show motivates others to volunteer time, money, and more, to those in need. The tornado ravaged small town of Highland, AR was recently the recipient of a donation.

Tornadoes ripped through several states on February 5, and Highland, Arkansas, was devastated by an F4 tornado during that storm system. Most of the business district was destroyed, including the fire station. This past week, the small town received a surprise. It was the recipient of a $10,000 check, offered by the local station, KAIT, in conjunction with ABC and Oprah’s Big Give. Oprah Winfrey donated $100,000,000 to ABC, which disbursed the money between 100 affiliate stations. Each station was then tasked with determining where the money was most needed. In this case, Highland was chosen. The Highland fire station was lost as was most of its equipment and the donation will help in the effort to rebuild the fire department. "It means a lot because we weren't expecting it," stated Stephen Davis, Highland’s Fire Chief, per KAIT news. The fire station’s new location has yet to be determined and the department is currently being housed in the old Sharp County Road Shop building (to the left of where the above photo was taken), near the entrance to Cherokee Village. The road to recovery is a long one, but residents, businesses, and Highland’s leaders continue moving forward. The generosity of all those who donate, volunteer, and make loans of equipment continues to be needed as well as very much appreciated.