There are communities that may be more economically fortunate than we are in Western Tidewater, but we doubt there are many who have been greater blessed with the spirit of giving.

Several local organizations, including the Obici Healthcare Foundation and the Franklin Rotary Foundation, have as recently as today been recognized in The Tidewater News for their charitable giving. There are others, including the Franklin-Southampton Area United Way, The Camp Foundations and Franklin-Southampton Charities, whose missions are to give back funds to the local community where they can do the most good. There are many groups and individuals who depend greatly on the funds these organizations provide, and our community is a better place because of them.

To those who give, we say thank you for making a difference in the lives of those who live and work among us.