In Pickens County, the local “Meals on Wheels” program announced in early January that it’s teaming up with another organization to prepare emergency food packages for homebound people in case inclement weather creates hazardous driving conditions which prevent Meals on Wheels volunteers from being able to deliver food, according to the Pickens Sentinel.

In Hartsville, a group that promotes economic development in the city’s downtown area has been gearing up for a chili cook-off as a way to showcase all that the area has to offer, according to the Hartsville Messenger.

In the Lancaster News, the leader of a recent “Angel Tree” charity drive wrote a thoughtful Letter to the Editor thanking the community for its support in helping to provide Christmas gifts for underprivileged children in Lancaster County.

According to the Pageland Progressive in Chesterfield County, Miss Pageland, Emily Moody, is working with the “Wreaths Across America” program to honor the fallen heroes of the U.S. Armed Forces.

And Dunleavy’s Pub on Sullivan’s Island sponsored a popular “Polar Bear Swim” on New Year’s Day to benefit the Special Olympics, according to the Moultrie News in Charleston County.

When I drive around the state for a meeting or speaking engagement, as I did recently, I try to make sure to pick up a copy of the local community newspaper wherever I go. You see, I’ve always had a special fondness for community newspapers, mainly because of the valuable role they play: They bring us good news… news that not only keeps us informed but also spotlights so many positive things within the community.

It seems you can’t turn on the television these days without being bombarded with “bad news” … continued high unemployment, political gridlock in our nation’s capital, violence, crime, over-paid athletes acting like children, and celebrities setting poor examples for their fans.

Yet, there’s lots of “good news” happening all around us: Churches are holding fundraisers to benefit those who need assistance, civic clubs are working to improve our local quality of life, and Scouts and 4-H’ers are learning the keys to success in life. Parents, grandparents and businesspeople are volunteering in local schools. Students are celebrating achievements, and families are holding reunions.

And the pages of community newspapers are a valuable link to this good news. Weekly, non-daily and other local publications draw the community closer together, help neighbors get to know each other a little better, promote worthy causes and raise awareness of the efforts of people, businesses and civic organizations working to make their hometowns a better place.

In a very real way, the newspaper you hold in your hand helps strengthen your community and improve your quality of life.

___

Richard Eckstrom, a CPA, is the state’s Comptroller.

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