We have long known that Covington County residents are among the most caring anywhere, but we’ve recently been reminded again.

The neediest among us are warmer because those who could checked the “contribute to Project Share” box on the utility bills. Local Red Cross executive director Merrill Davis said the program raised $7,400 to help local people – many of whom, it’s been said, have to choose each month between paying their electric bill or buying their monthly medicine.

Just this week, we learned that Opp’s First United Methodist Church has launched an effort to deliver 5,000 “health kits” for those affected by the devastating earthquake in Haiti.

The Rev. Jerry Allen, pastor of Opp’s FUMC, said it right when he said we don’t think about the conveniences of being able to brush our teeth or wash our hands, until we no longer have them.

For as little as $12, those things like soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste and combs can be purchased, packed and shipped to the Haitian people.

We write stories of this nature often – examples of Meredith’s Miracles raising money to ease the burden for families traveling back and forth to the doctor; Habitat for Humanity constructing homes for partner families; and those honoring the memory of a lost loved one by establishing scholarships in their honor.

We commend those who have made the effort to share what is theirs, given freely of their time and money, and are reaching out not only to our community but also to the world.