VAN, W.Va. — A native son of Boone County, Tony Gibson went home for Christmas this week bearing $38,000 in gifts and endowments.
Few people are more tuned to the plight of those who have lost jobs in the coal industry than West Virginia’s defensive coordinator Tony Gibson, who grew up in the community and was raised on hard work.
“It’s a special place,” Gibson told the Coal Valley News. “My work ethic and growing up around these people made me the man I am today and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
Gibson was at his alma mater Van High School on Thursday night to present gift cards to 50 families. Each family received a packet containing a turkey, a gift card for $225 to Wal-Mart and a $150 Shoppers Value gift certificate for food.
“It’s been a deal that we had guys from out of state — like Houston, Texas — who had ties to West Virginia that understand how it got down here when these coal mines shut down,” said Gibson. “Just for so many people not to hesitate and want to help out. It wasn’t like I was asking them for $100. They were contributing $5,000 and not hesitating.”
Gibson said the donations from friends and college football colleagues and all with ties to West Virginia amassed $38,000. The balance of the money is being placed into an endowment fund to make the Christmas donations an annual event for the area’s needy.
“I want to build on this and keep giving back,” Gibson said. “Whether it is Mingo, Logan or wherever the need may be. I just want to help people, especially here in West Virginia.”
“Everything Tony did was with his heart,” said Van High School Principal Shane Griffith. “I’ve always respected that about him and much of his success has come because of that.”
In July, Gibson donated $25,000 to help with the cost of the newly constructed Boone Memorial Hospital.