Community Corner

Volunteer: No Regrets in Massive Search Effort for Terry Smith

Countless hours of manpower were contributed in the search for missing autistic 11-year-old Terry Smith of Menifee, now believed deceased.

Thirteen-year-old Brooke Peck searched on her bicycle.

She then spent at least 30 hours making posters, calling local businesses to drum up food donations, cooking meals and directing traffic near Menifee Market—now the site of a prayer vigil scheduled for Wednesday night.

For four days, the market has served as the makeshift command post for a large-scale volunteer effort in the search for 11-year-old Terry Dewayne Smith, who allegedly went missing Saturday from his family home just steps from the market.

“I’ve done everything I possibly can,” said Brooke, adding that she would do it all over again.

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Upon hearing the news Wednesday that human remains—believed to be those of little Terry’s —were found, Brooke’s mother, Bridget Peck, 49, of Menifee said she had no regrets, either.

“We’ve done everything we can do at this point,” Peck said. “It’s all been put in a positive manner and I don’t feel that we’ve wasted any of our time.”

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The community has come together in a positive way, said Peck, a mother of three.

She explained that she and Brooke have been involved in the volunteer effort since Monday, and have spent each day helping—only going home to sleep.

“We’ve put all our resources out towards finding him...” Peck said. “And we know in the future if this happens again—and I hope that we never have an incident like this again—that the community of Menifee and the surrounding area will come together in the harmonious way we have been.”

The Pecks were just a few of the hundreds if not thousands of volunteers from throughout southwest Riverside County who pitched in.

The effort was organized by Lilly’s House and Faithful Servants Outreach, two local organizations.

Some citizens searched on foot, horseback or off-road vehicles during daylight hours in triple-digit temperatures for any sign of Terry. Others continued into the night searching the semi-rural area, not deterred by the rugged and rocky terrain.

Yet others made and distributed fliers and posters throughout the surrounding communities.

Businesses contributed supplies such as batteries, flashlights and glow sticks to aid in the search. Donated food and water also came in droves so the volunteers could stay fed and hydrated.

A Facebook page, “Find Terry Smith,” served as a hub for announcements, such as meeting times and supplies needed. As of Wednesday, the page had more than 15,000 fans.

“It’s been heartwarming...it’s been very emotional,” Peck said.

“This community is a lot closer than we thought it was.

“And if this is the end and God has called him home, then let it be,” Peck said. “My prayers go out to the mother and the immediate family.”

—Daniel Lane contributed to this report.

Previous Coverage on the Search for Terry Smith:



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