While the economy of our country has been a source of personal hardship for millions of citizens, a report from the Corporation for National and Community Service, the agency which oversees AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and other service programs, says that millions are increasing their generosity, if not in money, then in time.

The Giving USA Foundation recently reported a decline in charitable giving for the first time since 1987. But more and more Americans are donating their time to others based on Census Bureau figures. That number was estimated to be 61.8 million in 2008, up 2 percent from the previous year. And while over one-fourth of Americans continued to donate their time, young adults (16-24) increased in number by 5.7 percent.

The largest area of increase was the 31 percent increase of people who worked with neighbors to solve local problems from food banks to suicide prevention.

The highest rate of volunteering, again according to the report, is found in the states of Utah (43.5 percent) and Nebraska (38.9 percent).

With the media seemingly filled to the brim with reports of controversy and stubborn refusal to cooperate to solve some real basic problems in our country, this information is a breath of fresh air. It shows that millions are looking for ways to solve what problems they can. They may be able to do little about the big picture, but they look around locally and then act.

We know we're going through a rough patch right here in Jenkins County. Of course, there have always been problems of one kind or another here as in all communities. However, with all that's happened here over the past few years, it now seems absolutely overwhelming.

Yet there are hundreds of our own citizens who continue to volunteer their time to helping their fellow-citizens and to improving what they can of the quality of life here in our home county. And from what I read and see, there are dozens more joining them.

The point of all this? A public "thank you" to those who, over the years, have given and continue to give their time on behalf of others, and to those who have recently joined this volunteering community.

Finally, realize that the needs are legion. Come join!