SYLVANIA, Ala. (WAFF) – After an arsonist torched her Donald Trump-inspired artwork, one young woman in Sylvania built it back bigger than before.
Despite someone burning her original creation two weeks ago, Maddie Jackson spent weeks putting up yet another display on Sylvania Avenue.
She said since the original was torched, her story has gotten national attention.
Yet, her only goal is to put a smile on everyone’s face in her community.
”Just because they burned it down doesn’t mean it’s going to stop me. I’m just going to build it back,” said Auburn University student Maddie Jackson.
That is exactly what Jackson did. She built her original design once again, just with an added touch of a “Trump Train” with a few new flags and signs to match.
“After it burned, a bunch of people texted, reached out and said they would help rebuild or help any way they can… give us cameras, paint, anything else. I even had someone reach out and send us a bunch of hats from people I don’t even know,” Jackson said.
Sylvania Police Chief Jeremy Ake said his department along with Dekalb County Deputies are still working to find the fire bug.
“At this time we haven’t got anymore leads or anything. They’ve spoke to a lot of people in the area but that’s all we’ve got at this point,” said Ake.
Ake said he has heard from other fire departments that arson is on the rise in surrounding communities, but this is a first for Sylvania.
“This is the first thing we’ve had like this in years that I know of,” said Ake.
Still, Ake said patrolling officers and deputies will be keeping a close watch on the newest installment of Jackson’s creation.
“We’re gonna do everything we can to have a lot of extra patrol, and I hope the community will help with that too and keep an eye out,” said Ake.
Yet, nothing has stopped Jackson from her mission of bringing a bit of joy into her community. Her father Heath Jackson told WAFF 48 he hopes the display will remain untouched at least until the upcoming election.
As multiple drivers stopped to take pictures of the new display, Maddie Jackson had one thing to say to anyone thinking of burning it down again.
“If you don’t like it, just keep driving. You don’t have to look at it,” Jackson said.
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