In a world often dominated by headlines filled with stress and conflict, a beautiful event in Carroll County, Georgia, reminded us all what community and compassion truly look like.
Each year, the Carrollton Police Department and the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office join forces to host a remarkable event: the Special Forces Camp. This camp is specifically designed for students with disabilities and special needs from both Carroll County Schools and Carrollton City Schools. This year, the event welcomed 50 incredible kids—each one greeted not just with activities and attention, but with genuine love and care.
The event is entirely free for the families, but the value of the smiles, laughter, and connections made? Priceless.
Crystal Jackson, a local gem who wears many hats—and wears them all with heart—is the Team Lead Adapted Teacher at Sharp Creek Elementary, a devoted educator known for going above and beyond for her students. But her dedication doesn’t stop when the school bell rings.
Crystal also works part-time with Kona Ice, the beloved shaved ice truck that’s become a fixture at community events. When she learned about the Special Forces Camp, Crystal called to ask if she could work the event for free—and whether Kona Ice might offer a discount for the kids.
Instead, her team didn’t just offer a discount—they donated all the Kona Ice for the kids and officers, no strings attached. Crystal showed up at East Carroll Gym, served for an hour, and then stayed for several more just to spend time with the kids she knows and loves so well.
What makes this story even sweeter isn’t just the shaved ice—it’s the thoughtfulness behind it. Crystal made sure every child felt included, even going as far as contacting a parent whose child had diabetes to find out their favorite flavor. She ensured that a sugar-free syrup was on the truck just for them. That kind of care doesn’t come from a job description—it comes from the heart.
This wasn’t just a camp. It was a celebration of community—a collaboration between local law enforcement, dedicated educators, generous businesses, and the amazing students who bring so much joy to Carroll County.
In a time when good news can be hard to come by, the Special Forces Camp gave us all something to smile about. Not just because of the shaved ice or the fun games, but because people like Crystal Jackson exist—people who give not only their time, but their whole heart to make the world a little kinder for others.
And that’s a story worth sharing.
