FORDYCE, Ark. — The tight-knit community of Fordyce is now even tighter a week later, as people continue to move forward after a mass shooting killed four people and wounded 10 others at the town's only grocery store.
It's been a difficult week in Fordyce, but neighbors have pulled together to help each other. Whether it's food giveaways or fundraisers, they've shown up and said they will continue to show that support in the coming weeks and months.
"There are good people left in this world, and we can all come together, and we can make something big out of nothing," Food pantry volunteer Joyce Tillery said.
Tillery has been working toward this goal ever since the deadly shooting. All week, she's been volunteering at food pantries.
"Donations have come in from everywhere," Tillery said. "Mad Butcher has been extremely big in what they have done, giving back to this community."
It's something Fordyce Police Chief Chad Hubanks and Dallas County Sheriff Mike Knoedl said they're proud to see.
"Everybody's working together to make sure the victims' families are taken care of and honoring the victims this week," Knoedl said.
One thing that stuck out to Hubanks and Knoedl was Sunday's prayer vigil for the victims.
"I had no idea that many people would come together so quickly in such a short time," Hubanks said. "I was told that there were over 400 candles that were given out almost immediately, and they didn't have enough for everybody. It was overwhelming to see that many people."
They said they're focused on moving forward and helping their community heal.
"It's already begun, but we've got a long way to go," Knoedl said.
Tillery said it's all about neighbors helping each other to overcome adversity.
"Just because it was a meanness in this world, it's a part of what this world is that we don't have to stand for, that we can stand with each other," Tillery said. "Let god lead us through this time."
It won't be much longer before the Mad Butcher grocery store reopens, as the grocery store announced it will reopen on July 2 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. until further notice.
"We will be reopening our doors beginning Tuesday, July 2nd at 9:00 AM," The Mad Butcher said on Facebook. "Initially, we will operate with limited hours until further notice. Our commitment to serving the Fordyce community remains strong as we continue to heal together."
According to Arkansas State Police, two more victims have been released from the hospital, and the three who are still hospitalized are stable.