Mountain Brook community supports shark attack on girl in Florida

MOUNTAIN BROOK, Alabama (WIAT) – The community of Mountain Brook is supporting two teenagers who were victims of a shark attack in Florida last week.

Even though some residents don’t know Lulu Gribbins and McRay Faust personally, they offer their support wherever they can.

Since Saturday, Smiths Variety Store has been working around the clock to hand-make purple and blue bows – the girls’ favorite colors.

“It has brought our community together, the prayers and the love are just tremendous and nothing is more powerful than prayers and a praying community,” said Mountain Brook resident Teresa Callahan.

People in Mountain Brook hope that seeing the colorful ribbons all over town will give the girls courage as they recover from their injuries.

“They’re all here to support each other, whether it’s through the church or just a complete stranger who happens to live nearby and says, ‘I want to show my support, love and prayers to the family,'” said Doug Edge, manager of Smiths Variety Store.

Smith’s Variety will donate 20% of the proceeds from bow sales directly to the Gribbins and Faust families. Orders can be placed by calling the store or by stopping by and joining the growing waiting list. As of Monday evening, over 500 people were on the waiting list to get a bow.

“It’s just our way of supporting as best we can,” Edge added.

A spokesperson for the girls’ families told CBS 42 that both girls are in stable condition. They ask for prayers and privacy during their recovery.

Bows can be purchased at Smiths Variety Store at 45 Church Street in Mountain Brook or by calling 205-871-0841.