The community support for a local man facing a battle with cancer continues to grow and the latest effort allows for even more people to lend a helping hand.
The Friends of Tommy Vice is now offering T-shirts in support of Vines for $15. Thanks to the efforts of a local business owner, all of the money will go to help the Vice family.
Mike Evans at Shirts and More in Demopolis said he saw the post for Friends of Tommy Vice on Facebook and that he felt he should do something to help.
“Tommy is somebody who has done so much for so many people in our community and it seemed like the least I could do to donate shirts for him,” Evans said.
Beverly Evans and Michelle Etheridge designed the T-shirts that include an image of a cancer ribbon with Vice’s favorite Bible verse: John 3:16.
Shirts and More is already on its second run of the shirts.
“Lindsey (Etheridge) printed the shirts out and within a week they were all gone,” Mike Evans said.
For many years, Vice has been among the top fundraisers for the annual Relay for Life event that helps provide funding for the American Cancer Society. He has won several Relay for Life awards for his efforts and has been the Demopolis Chamber of Commerce’s Volunteer of the Year at least two times.
“He has knocked on more doors and did more the cause than anyone I’ve run across,” Evans said.
Now, Vice is the one fighting cancer, but those who know him are surprised to find him still in high spirits.
“I feel good. I never thought I would have cancer. This gives me an opportunity to share my testimony,” Vice said.
Melanie Soronen is among those volunteering to help with the fundraising for Vice and set up the Friends of Tommy Vice Facebook page.
“Tommy is a treasure to our community. He is so bold in his faith and, even with cancer, he has a smile on his face and is praising God,” Soronen said.
Currently, Shirts and More is taking pre-orders through July 6 for the second run of the shirts. They can be ordered in children’s sizes extra-small through adult 6X through the Friends of Tommy Vice Facebook page, or by calling Soronen at Radio Shack, 289-5000, or stop by the store Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The shirts are $15. All shirts will have to be paid for before ordering on July 6.
“I want to thank everyone who has purchased a t-shirt so far. Tommy is so exicited. Our community is very thankful for Tommy and the love his shows to everyone. Please keep him in your prayers,” Soronen said.