By Mike Finney

VIOLA — A selfless act by husband and father Tom Jackson left him critically injured Sept. 26.

That day, Mr. Jackson and his wife, Erin Jackson, plus three of their four children, were involved in a near-head-on traffic collision driving to their Georgetown home, according to Angela (Zielen) Epps, owner of Loblolly Acres, where the elder Jacksons often volunteer.

As a second vehicle came into the Jacksons’ lane to pass a tractor-trailer, it sped toward their Chevrolet Tahoe straight on.

Anticipating the crash, though, Mr. Jackson positioned their SUV in such a way as to shield his family — therefore taking the brunt of the strike himself.

Ms. Jackson and two of their kids escaped unharmed. A third, Colton Jackson, suffered multiple fractured ribs and a spleen laceration.

But Mr. Jackson ended up critically injured. He has since endured more than 10 surgeries but has finally returned home to begin his long road to recovery.

To ease that financial and emotional burden, Loblolly Acres will be hosting a Barnlight & Blessings Benefit from 6-9 p.m. Nov. 21. Tickets are $25 and must be purchased by Nov. 19 at loblollyacres.com.

Ms. Epps said Loblolly's tight-knit community is rallying together for the family.

“Erin and Tom have worked many events at the farm,” she added. “At first, they didn’t know if he was going to make it.

“They are a very sweet couple, and it just broke my heart. I couldn’t believe it was happening because they’re just such good people. It’s always extra hard when you see something bad happen to such a good family.”

The fundraiser will feature live music by Down Home, as well as line-dancing lessons. There will be baked goods, hot chocolate and hot apple cider, along with a silent auction.

Guests can also cozy up at one of the bonfires with blankets that Loblolly sells and visit the Two Bay Twists, Uncle Bernie’s Steak Shack and DonutNV food trucks.

Ms. Epps described the event as close to the heart of her family, as well. It was arranged after a discussion with her mother-in-law, Cheryl Epps.

“We just decided to reach out and see if they wanted us to post a fundraiser, and I have to say, Erin’s friends are just so helpful,” Angela explained.

“We got together a couple of weeks ago, and they have really helped me get everything together because we’re planning this event in a very short amount of time.”

She added that meeting some of the Jacksons’ family and friends was an eyeopener.

“They were all just friends of Erin’s from different parts of life, so that’s a real testament to how involved they are with their community and how many friends they have that are willing to just drop everything and help,” Ms. Epps explained.

“Tom and Erin have always been the first to lend a hand to others. Now, it’s our turn to be there for him.”

Staff writer Mike Finney can be reached at 302-741-8230 or mfinney@iniusa.org.