Our Viewpoint: Give local this season

If you've learned anything about me from my nearly 8 years as a newspaper publisher, I hope it's how much I care about our communities. On Monday, I had breakfast with a friend in Plains and was telling him how I definitely feel obligated to do a good job in my role of keeping Sanders County informed. I grew up here. My family is still here. Though I say I want to retire to Maine, I'll probably be here in Sanders County forever.

When I interviewed TFHS alum Tracy Ward about taking over the Sanders County Christmas Bazaar, she expressed some of the same sentiments about how great our communities are and the support she's received. I would hope everyone here feels they live in a loving, supportive community.

This week, First Security Bank is again sponsoring our annual Local Giving page. On page 9, you'll find a list of local organziations and nonprofits, as well as their contact information. We've been compiling this list for many years. It's a good page to cut out and keep handy all year long. These local organization are run by local people and help others locally.

This holiday season, we encourage you to support these local organizations. Even a thank you card to show appreciation means so much to local volunteers. — Annie Wooden