Siloam Proud

Siloam Proud Wednesday, June 23, 2021 n 5C Siloam Springs Herald-Leader P.O. Box 100 1401 E. Main St. Siloam Springs (479) 524-3121 P.O. Box 6294 2230 N. ompson Springdale 479-756-2010 We are PROUD to be a member of the Siloam Community! www.backstrom-pyeatte.com Starter, Alternator, Generator Service - Hydraulic Hose Assemblies • Quality Aftermarket Automotive Parts 880 S. Lincoln St. Siloam Springs 479-524-3760 A Real Automotive Parts Store that supports its community Proud to serve Siloam Springs! 479-524-3123 112 West Tulsa, Siloam Springs, AR 72761 www.wardjonesrealty.com We are honored to serve the Siloam Springs community. Our team of agents are simply the cream of the crop, and are ready to help you with your home buying/selling needs. The world has many well-known philanthro- pists such as Warren Buf- fett, Bill Gates and Michael Jordan, but there are also many who do their giving quietly. One of those peo- ple is Kaci Reed Johnson. Johnson may not be as well known as the others mentioned above, but she has given back to those who were in need and sponsored others looking to follow their dreams. "I have been helping people in the community as long as I've been here and as long as I've been able," Johnson said. Growing up giving Johnson did not start her ministry big, but instead began giving in small ar- eas. At a young age she was already volunteering on mission trips and always coaching little kids in bas- ketball at her local Boys & Girls Club and Upward Sports, she said. When Johnson was at- tending Oklahoma Chris- tian University, in Edmond, Okla., she volunteered at the site of the Oklahoma City bombing. "We did prayer groups, singing, handing out sup - plies and handing out pep- permints to first respond- ers," Johnson said. When asked about what she remembered most about the bombing, John- son said it was the smell of death, which she found to be horrible, she said. In her 20s, Johnson started a Mother's Day Out program. As a single mother of three children, Johnson understood the need for parents to have a break when they needed it, she said. Starting Small Over the years Johnson continued to help those she knew. If a friend of one of her children needed a ride, or lunch or even clothing then Johnson would always try to help that person. "In the past … I've had a couple of girls that did not have the money for a prom dress or didn't have the money to purchase some - thing special for an event or something they are do- ing," Johnson said. "So I've helped out in that respect. I tried taking them shopping or got their hair done or their makeup done or had photos done. Something they couldn't afford to do or didn't have the family back - ing in order to do that." She also provided those kids with safety zones in case they did not have a safe place to call home. Johnson would let those kids stay with her and her family. A year and a half earlier, Johnson began assisting fire victims in the Cincin - nati/Summers area where she lives. The first recipient of her kindness was Kevin Jackson and his family, who live over on Highway 59. Johnson told people she knew that she was going to gather items for Jack - son and his family and if anyone wanted to help drop off items or donate anything she would help coordinate it and make sure it got to Jackson and his family. "That was probably the biggest event that I have been engaged in as far as helping the community, in helping someone with something that was urgent and unexpected," Johnson said. Another recipient of Johnson's help was Savan - nah Pearson Stricklen and her family. On Feb. 11, Stricklen's home caught on fire and she lost all her clothes as well as other items, Strick - len said. Johnson reached out and told the people she knew about Stricklen's situ- ation and helped to orga- nize a benefit for Stricklen and her family. "Kaci is an amazing person," Stricklen said. "Any time anybody needs something she's the first one there." Stricklen said when her best friend also had a house fire, Johnson had an entire benefit lined up for her within an hour. An Amish family in the area also lost their home, and Johnson stepped in to help them by gathering do - nations. Johnson said she was not short on people willing to help. People from outside the Siloam Springs area offered to donate items to Johnson to help the fire victims, Johnson said. "She has a big loving heart," said Holly Barton, a closer at Elite Title who worked with Johnson at City title in Rogers. "She thinks more of others than herself." When asked what John - son's radius was to help people she said she tries to stay within a four hour radius in all four directions, she said. Johnson said she has family in the Tulsa and Big Cabin areas, plus a plethora of contacts she acquired through her time in real estate. Johnson also helps out by supporting small busi - nesses, Barton said. She has seen Johnson eat at local restaurants and buy local products, Barton said. By Marc Hayot Staff Writer n mhayot@nwadg.com Local Realtor gives back to her community Photo submitted Kaci Reed Johnson rides her horse in the Stilwell (Okla.) Strawberry Festival parade on May 8. Johnson and her father's company Realty Mart were recognized as one of the event's top sponsors. The company donated two guns to the Round Up Club and earned $960 for the club by selling raffle tickets. Photo submitted Jayco Roper, a bronc rider from Oktaha, Okla., is waiting to compete on May 8 in the Stil- well Strawberry Festival Rodeo. Roper is one of several rodeo contestants sponsored by Kaci Reed Johnson and Realty Mart. See REALTOR on Page 6C

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