Good Neighbors

When tornados hit this area over the weekend, many of us realized all over again how much we need and depend on each other- the members of this community.

Though the damage was both scattered and isolated, it was nonetheless devastating to the families who were hit. The cleanup will continue for the next several weeks.

Burke Countians actually fared much better than many in our neighboring counties, specifically Jefferson to the west and Aiken County, South Carolina. The winds were part of a larger storm that did millions of dollars in damage to buildings and homes in downtown Atlanta.

We are still hearing reports of how government agencies, churches and individuals have helped victims, many even before the danger had passed. And, they are still at it.

Church groups and neighbors showed up at Milton Scott's farm near Keysville the day after the storm. They went to work repairing the damage to most of his fencing and cleaning up hundreds of downed pecan trees. His cattle were without water until the volunteer fire department from Matthews brought it in their trucks.

Stories like that are coming in from all over the areastories of unsolicited help from groups and individuals who reached out for no other reason except to help their neighbor.

At a time when there is not much good news on the national and international scene, it's good to know that we live in a county, a state and a country where people still care and look out for each other.