Everyone is a part of a community — you are a member of a community by default, when you set up residence. The reputation of the community is built by the actions or inactions of those who live there.

In Isle of Wight and Surry, we are fortunate to be a part of a community where people really care about one another, where a neighbor reaches out to a neighbor in a time of need. We are a community that is proactive in its giving and is always ready and willing to step up and lend a helping hand.

The week after Thanksgiving — especially “Giving Tuesday” — has in recent years become a time to focus on the needs of others before people’s focus turns inward in the Christmas gift-giving season.

The list of organizations that contribute to the reputation of our community is extensive: Christian Outreach Program, Angel Quilters, Rotarians, Kiwanians, Tidewater Crisis Pregnancy Center, Mount Tabor Church of God in Christ Outreach, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Red Cross, Luter Family YMCA, Isle of Wight Commission on Aging, Daughters of the American Revolution, Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia, Western Tidewater Free Clinic, the Isle of Wight Humane Society, innumerable church groups, school clubs and organizations, and the list goes on and on. Supporting these organizations is a fleet of volunteers who spend their time and resources to help their neighbors.

For the most part nothing is expected in return, no praise is needed, just knowing a job well done is enough. As is the usual case in Isle of Wight, giving and helping is a way of life which is done with goodwill and in the spirit of neighbors helping neighbors.

We commend the many fine organizations and volunteers who contribute to our community’s reputation for generosity. Ours is a community that does more than talk about helping neighbors; ours is a community that puts those words into action.

Neighbors helping neighbors: It’s the way it should be and what makes this a great community to be a part of.