HANGING ROCK - Hanging Rock Police officer Christopher V. Steed's job is to help the community, but now the community hopes to return the favor.

The Hanging Rock Church of the Nazarene, at 400 Main St., will host a free song fest at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 6. Donations will be accepted to help Steed and his family as the officer continues to recover from serious injuries suffered in a car accident.

The 29-year-old Franklin Furnace resident was on his way to work last month when he lost control of his vehicle and collided with a sign. Steed has been unable to return to work after spending nine days in the hospital from suffering a compound fracture in his right arm, several facial fractures, a punctured lung and three broken ribs.

Singers for the community event will be Paul Houston, Chad Pemberton, Gidget Cade, the Praise Team from the Ironton First Church of the Nazarene, Kelli Kearns, the Ross Sisters, Steve Justice and the Kentuckians and the Hanging Rock singers.

Pastor Don Madden said it is important to reach out to help those in need, especially the police, firefighters and others who serve the community.

"We never know how much these people mean until something happens," he said. "They give, so now we need to give back."

Betty Wagner has attended the church for more than 30 years. Even though Steed is her nephew, she said it is important to try and help out anyone in times of trouble.

"This is very important because it shows we reach out to people who are in need," she said.

Steed said he does not have the words to describe how he felt when he heard about the song fest.

"It is a good feeling to know someone cares. I appreciate it," Steed said. "The church feels like family to me, to put it plain and simple."

After attending the church when he was younger, Steed has since started attending regularly.

Though he has finished physical therapy, he has more doctor's appointments and does not know when he will be able to return to work.

"I miss my job," he said. "I think I have watched everything there is on TV."

For more information, call 532-2321.