Community of generosity

To the editor:

This morning I was reflecting on the amazing events of the previous day and realized, once again, that we live in a community that collectively is comprised of a tremendous number of individuals who serve this area with a generous spirit and a servant’s heart. Each of the multitudes that come to mind are rarely acknowledged for their selfless contributions, and most would be uncomfortable or surprised to even have their deeds documented.

Periodically, however, there is a need to give a shout out to those who embody what makes our community so great. Last month after Palmer Food Bank volunteer Patti Dubler remarked to her friend Denise Statz, owner of Palmer’s Non-Essentials, that the shelves at the Food Bank were nearly bare the two set out to rectify the situation.

A little brainstorming, boundless enthusiasm and the project “Fight Hunger, Feed Hope” was off and running. Here is a quote from the Facebook page: “55 local businesses, offices and agencies working together with you Oct. 1 to 13 to help stock the Palmer Food Bank, celebrate 35+ years of Henry Guinotte’s volunteer work with that agency, and kickin’ it up a bit as part of Second Saturday Oct. 13.”

Successful is really too small a word for the results of this fabulous event. Energized by the contagious passion these two imparted to everyone around them, the community responded resoundingly. The shelves at the Palmer Food Bank will be full once again. The celebration for Henry Guinotte, who has served Palmer and the surrounding area in so many capacities, was a sweet, fun-filled gathering.

To every one of you gave in any capacity to the project, a heartfelt thank you, and to Patti, Denise and Henry, words will never be enough to express the gratitude I and our beloved town has for those of you who lead by example.

Linda Combs

Palmer