From Heart to Community: Jesse Smallwood’s Latest Gift Strengthens Local Care

Pictured from left to right: Brooke Donaldson, Chief Executive Officer of Jackson Hospital; Jill Miller, Executive Director of the Jackson Hospital Foundation; Mr. Jesse Smallwood; and Mrs. Olivia McDaniel

In Jackson County, Jesse Smallwood has built a quiet reputation for seeing a need and stepping in to help.

Most recently, Smallwood made a $100,000 donation to the Jackson Hospital Foundation, a gift that will go toward essential medical equipment supporting patient care and clinical services. The donation came just two weeks after he boosted the Chipola College Foundation with another generous contribution.

Smallwood has long been a strong supporter of Chipola College and Jackson Hospital. During last year’s Giving Tuesday campaign, he gave a $100,000 unrestricted donation and earlier pledged $50,000 toward student scholarships. College officials credited those gifts as key factors in helping the campaign exceed its fundraising goals.

His generosity has not gone unnoticed. The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce previously named Smallwood Citizen of the Year, citing his ongoing support of local nonprofits and causes, including the Chipola Foundation, Jackson Hospital, and NextStep at Endeavor Academy. The recognition highlighted his commitment to improving quality of life across the county.

Following his latest gift to the Jackson Hospital Foundation, Smallwood shared what motivated him. “The main impetus for my wanting to help the hospital was the fact that over 500 hospitals have declared bankruptcy, and I don’t want ours to be one of the next ones,” he said. “The foundation also uses these donations to get new surgical equipment for the doctors. They come out of school trained on modern machines, and it helps when they can work with what they know.”

Smallwood added that, at its core, his giving is about helping people.

 “I try to spread mine to the maximum amount of people rather than just give it to one person,” he said.

 Jackson Hospital and the Jackson Hospital Foundation expressed deep appreciation for Smallwood’s continued support, noting that donations like his help address critical needs not covered by the hospital’s capital budget and ensure the community continues to receive high-quality care.

 The Jackson Hospital Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible and directly support the hospital’s mission and patient services. For more information about the foundation or how to contribute, contact the Foundation office at (850) 718-2601.