The Northeast Arkansas Regional AIDS Network cut up 15,000 ribbons and has delivered them to area radio stations that are collecting money for victims of the Westside Middle School shooting. Radio stations have been receiving phone calls from people who are willing to cut up white sheets for use as ribbons. One elderly woman called to say she would cut up a formal white taffeta gown. White ribbon was being shipped from Walnut Ridge via Federal Express. Between their classes Arkansas State University students from Jonesboro were busily cutting and counting ribbons on the AIDS network's office floor despite the inviting 70-degree day outside.
White ribbons are a symbol of purity and healing.
I was really scared. And though international attention is focused on Jonesboro and the smaller towns to the west where most of the Westside students live, the community seems focused on supporting its members and not on placing blame. She does not want credit for the idea. She said she wants the victims and their families and friends to see the community support. She said she thought of the children killed and wounded as angels.