“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” — William Arthur Ward.
We love this time of year, when we get to focus a little more on all those things we’re grateful for, and the very fact that we have a long list of things and people to be grateful for.
We are grateful for every one of our readers for supporting The SUN, and for our team here at The SUN.
We love what we do and couldn’t do it without your support. Thank you for letting us keep you informed, letting us share your amazing, inspiring stories and for running great businesses we love supporting.
We’re also incredibly grateful we live in a community that cares.
You care about what’s going on in your community, you care about supporting local businesses and nonprofits, and, while there is still a lot of division across the nation that we’re not immune to here, when it comes down to it — we care about each other.
This Thanksgiving, and year-round, we want to encourage showing gratitude for what we have by continuing to be there for each other and continuing to build up this community in any and every way we can.
We know this is a difficult and lonely time for many. This is a time where some are just trying to survive and get by, and it’s our turn to be there for them, as we hope they will be when we need it.
There are many who have recently lost loved ones, live alone with little family around, are no longer able to travel or get out of the house as much, have recently been sick, or for so many other possible reasons, are more likely to find themselves alone this holiday season.
Reach out to them. Let them know you’re thinking of them and you’re thankful they’re in your life. It might mean the world to them.
We also know this is a difficult time with winter bills setting in, Christmas lists filled with expensive items being written, more illnesses passing around that could result in medical bills, and sometimes expectations to buy and make more food for gatherings. It’s an undoubtedly expensive time of year every year, and this year’s expenses have come with a side of unease for many on the heels of the government shutdown and prospects of insurance and other expenses likely to rise in the near future.
But this is one area where this community shines.
When many were left unsure where future meals might come from, numerous efforts, both formal and informal, were launched to rapidly help stock our local food pantries and get food to any and all in the community who need it.
We’re seeing similar efforts seeking to ensure every local family is able to have a merry Christmas and holiday season.
We are so grateful and thankful there are people here and elsewhere who give up time with their family and money throughout the holiday season to serve others. It makes us more than proud to call this place home.
This is also a community that never ceases to amaze us in its year-round support for the myriad nonprofits that help make this community what it is.
For those interested in finding nonprofits to support as the year draws to a close, we’ll point out that swcogives.org features numerous regional nonprofits serving a variety of needs, with the Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado spearheading the Southwest Colorado Gives effort “to inspire generosity in our five counties and increase online giving for local participating nonprofits.”
From all of us here at The SUN, happy Thanksgiving.
Randi Pierce
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