Thanksgiving is my very favorite holiday of the year. It is a time when most people consider what they are thankful for. That usually includes things like family and good health. But there is another group we should be thankful for.

We should be thankful for the small army of people in our communities that work tirelessly to get things done. That includes those serving in local government. It includes those who work to beautify the community, plan events and celebrations, volunteer at the food pantry, our firefighters and EMTs, our local police officers, and all those who work together to make our communities a better place.

Granted, there are a few bad apples in the barrel. They maybe don’t work as part of the team. They maybe don’t follow the rules. They maybe make it difficult for others. They maybe have an axe to grind. But they are the minority.

The majority of the people in those positions are there because they care about their community. They are there because they choose to make a difference in the lives of others. They are there because of their willingness to serve.

For some it is their job, but it is a job they chose. For some, they get paid a little, but probably not enough. For some, they volunteer their time and talents. Our communities are better because of them. Our communities are safer because of them.

Some of them are getting older and are ready to step down from a lifetime of giving of themselves. This means that younger people need to step up and fill those positions or we will lose many of the things that make our small communities special. They need to find that spirit of giving their time to make our corner of the world a better place.

So, this Thanksgiving, let us be thankful for that small army. And if you see them out in the community, thank them for what they do. They are easy to find.