Dec. 18, 2012 — Anyone who’s spent any time in Susanville and Lassen County has seen the way our community comes together when one of our own needs help. Time after time community members step up and reach into their pocketbooks to help the less fortunate or those stricken by disease, disaster or some other misfortune. Such efforts by the community take on a special meaning during the holiday season.

We always seem to rally around numerous agencies and groups from all across the county that collect toys for children who might not receive a Christmas gift from anyone else, and we happily support other agencies and groups that collect and distribute foodstuffs to provide a holiday meal for the less fortunate or senior citizens. Local residents proudly take care of their own.

But as the Christmas holiday approaches, many needs remain unfilled. For example, in addition to the usual holiday charities, this year employees from Lassen Ale Works find themselves out of work due to a fire in the building last week. Thankfully no one was injured by the blaze although residents who lived upstairs above the pub were forced to find shelter elsewhere and employees will find themselves unemployed or underemployed during this holiday season. A benefit dinner was held in their behalf last weekend, and the community offered its support.

As we move into the final days of this year’s holiday season, we trust the citizens of Lassen County will continue to give — helping provide those brightly colored gifts for children, much-needed food for the hungry and warm comfort for those who need it. Most of you will give freely without fanfare or any desire for recognition because you know it truly is better to give than to receive.

Thank you, Lassen County residents, for your generosity during the holidays and the rest of the year as well.