When accidents happen to a youth, it can feel as though it hits close to home for residents and parents everywhere. This is especially true in a small town where everyone seems to know everyone else.

That was certainly the case in Hazlet last week, when in a matter of seconds, Cole Sletten found himself forced to suddenly adjust to a life-changing event; losing his right hand in a farming accident.

Like most communities of that size, Hazlet is tight-knit and quick to circle the wagons around those that they care about when bad things like this happen. It's a natural reaction in places where families often work, play and go to school together from kindergarten to graduation.

Rebecca Anderson is a friend of the Sletten family and the organizer of a GoFundMe campaign to help pay for some of Cole's sudden expenses moving forward. Her son is friends with Cole.

She has spoken to Cole and says that he is doing well.

"I've spoke to him on the phone and he's Facetimed with my son while I was around. I just keep telling him how proud I am of him about how strong he's been and what a great attitude he's had. He's been really positive through this. And I'm sure he's going to have some rough days down the road. But his good attitude now will make a big difference."

She says that as a mother, it makes her think about her own kids, and that as a farming community where during this busy season, everyone is helping out, you can't help but think about how quickly those split-second moments can change a life forever.

Normally, a situation like this would bring townspeople together for a fundraiser at the local hall. With COVID-19 restrictions forcing a change, a GoFundMe campaign seemed like a good option to try instead.

So far, the fundraiser has collected a little more than $31,000 dollars, and Anderson is not sure how long it will continue; planning to leave it for at least a month or two as more of Cole's expenses moving forward become clear.

A number of others have also corralled Cole's peers together in organizing a silent online auction that will be taking place from tomorrow to Friday through the town of Hazlet's Facebook Page.

Beyond the donations and the fundraising, Anderson says that the Sletten family has simply been overwhelmed by the support they have received.

"They've had people people from the community just showing up with their combines to help with harvest or dropping off food for the work crew. They've been making the visits back and forth. Cole is still in Saskatoon but he should be back soon. They're just dealing with everything and just really appreciating all of the support and love that they're feeling from everyone right now."