Neighbors in Terrell shopped for a cause Saturday, turning a monthly craft market into an opportunity to help the family of Officer Jacob Candanoza.During an otherwise festive season, many were thinking of Candanoza and the wife and 5-year-old daughter he leaves behind.“It’s affected the whole community, not just the few. We all feel sympathy for the family and for all of the officers and first responders in the community,” said Don Smallwood.
Smallwood volunteers with the Terrell Heritage Museum. He said the monthly Heritage Market was started to help fund a much-needed renovation. But after Sunday’s deadly traffic stop along Highway 34, Smallwood said the decision was made to donate fees paid by vendors both Friday night and Saturday to the Terrell Citizen’s Police Academy Alumni Association’s fundraiser for Candanoza’s family.Morton and her husband Lateaf said they decided it was important to set up their Morton Family Bakery booth even after a planned Christmas parade was canceled in light of the tragedy.
“We feed people to make them feel good. But to know that you’re able to do that in another way is also heartwarming as well to know you’re helping somebody,” said Morton.“Money is not going to help their sorrow, of course, but we just hope in some way it lets them know, they are being thought of. It’s the least we can do to come out during their time of loss,” said Smallwood.