Yes, Virginia ... To those who do not believe: Yes, there are good people out there

There is a tendency to believe today that everyone is out for himself, that there just isn't anyone who cares about those who are struggling or who suffer a loss.

Obviously, those people do not live in Wayne County.

It took less than a few hours for residents -- some individually and some through several charitable organizations -- to mobilize to offer help to the families left without homes and belongings after this past weekend's fire.

Calls with donations of everything from cash to food to Christmas presents hit the Red Cross phones as soon as people learned about the need.

And after it was all over, the families were treated to shopping trips and a pizza party as local volunteers from the Goldsboro YMCA offered them the chance to get started on rebuilding their lives.

There was no shortage of offers of help from all sides -- and the offers are still coming in.

And that should not surprise anyone really.

This community is known for its quick action when someone is in need. It is just that often those good news stories don't get passed around as quickly as the rumors that there is nowhere for those who are struggling to turn.

Truth is, this community learned long ago that it is stronger when its members take care of each other.

And there are more than a few people living that philosophy every day.

Published in Editorials on December 18, 2013 10:29 AM