BY ANGELICA BROOKS
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
Photos by Angelica Brooks and Alabama Backs the Blue
Santa, Shopping, the Grinch…and monkeys?
November 21, 2021, Alabama Backs the Blue Nonprofit Organization held its a Back the Blue Holiday Market in Wetumpka, Alabama with 50 vendors. The event was held in the parking lot of Coaches Corner, which has generously offered a venue for multiple projects organized by Alabama Backs the Blue.
Alabama Backs the Blue is a Faith Based Nonprofit for Law Enforcement. Their mission is to provide support for Alabama Law Enforcement, locally first. Their primary goal is to offer educational opportunities, financial assistance, scholarships, and public support for Law Enforcement Officers and their family.
Back the Blue’s Holiday Market was a vendor event that raised funds for future programs and assistance to law enforcement. There is also a yearly Halloween event which provides candy to Trick or Treaters downtown. This past year well over 300 kids were in attendance.
Jessica Colley is the founder of Alabama Backs the Blue and spoke to the EAN about this year’s Holiday Market. “This event brings out local vendors and brings the community together. We hope to soon be able to offer more community programs and events in the future. We feel that this event is a way to bring law enforcement and the community together to bridge the gap.”
Shoppers visited booths, Santa and the Grinch, and even were able to meet some small monkeys at one booth.
Shelby Schofield, with Shelby’s Bowtique, shared her love for bow making with her mother Jennifer. Shelby, a beautiful young girl, channels her inner creativity while dealing with alopecia and psoriasis. “I have been making bows with Shelby since she was a little girl, and it is something that we have grown to love together,” Jennifer said.
Morgan Bishop with Field’s Flair showcased her handmade signs with various themes. “It looks like Hobby Lobby threw up in my home! I was empowered to do these designs because I could duplicate what I found in the stores myself. I can usually complete a sign in a couple of hours.”
7667 Designs was present with their various personalized tumbler designs. Ashley Ragan’s inspiration behind her craft is, “I like to make people happy. My work usually sparks a lot of interest and brings great conversation.”
You can find more information about Alabama Backs the Blue and any future events or donation opportunities on their website at alabamabackstheblue.wixsite.com
or their Facebook at www.facebook.com/alabamabackstheblue
Organizer Colley said that Alabama Backs the Blue is so appreciative for the vendors, Coaches Corners and everyone who came out for a great day of shopping.
