In a time where there is so much trouble in the world, people sometimes wonder if there is any good news to be had. It seems likely that Stephen Boyle was wondering that question on Friday, July 21 of this year.

You see, The Times Herald-Record reported on July 25 that Mr. Boyle, paralyzed by a skydiving accident in 2001, had his wallet stolen after it had fallen on the floor of a Home Depot in Harriman, New York. The wallet contained $800 that Mr. Boyle had earmarked for a trip he was going to take with his 12-year old son and 7-year old nephew.

Little did Mr. Boyle know that Ellenville Police Chief Phil Mattracion and Tom Gil, owner of Wilson's Market (located on Canal Street in Ellenville) would see the Record's article. Chief of Police Phil Mattracion recounts how the day started. "I was having some coffee at Wilson's and I was talking with Tom Gil and we were saying how disgraceful this was." You might be thinking, so what? Lots of people read lots of things in newspapers and it doesn't make a difference.

That may generally be the case, but this time Chief Mattracion and Mr. Gil decided to do something. They set up a kind of command post at Wilson's Market � setting up a jar on the counter for customer contributions and making phone calls to local businesses and community members.

Two hours later, Mr. Gil and the Chief had raised over $1,000 for Mr. Boyle to take on his trip. Mr. Gil was impressed by the community's reaction saying, "The community's response was just amazing. Everyone we called gave. It was a total community effort."

Mattracion echoed those sentiments, "The Ellenville community stepped up to the plate even though the gentleman is not from Ellenville. It just goes to show you the spirit of the people who live here."

After the money was collected, the Chief contacted The Times Herald-Record to arrange a meeting where he and Gil could give Mr. Boyle the money. As they waited for Mr. Boyle to arrive at Wilson's Market last week, Mattracion hoped that the community's efforts would leave a lasting impression on Mr. Boyle's son and nephew. "It tells the kids that even though there are people who commit heinous acts against you, there are so many more that are willing to help you."

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