A glance at Monday’s paper provides proof that caring for others is a priority in Butler County. Three stories in the paper involved weekend or ongoing initiatives to raise money or provide services to those in need or make improvements in the community.

In one story, nearly 200 people attended a 14th annual benefit auction for Butler County 4-H at the East Butler Firemen’s Hall on Saturday. Money raised is used to send 4-H members to events at the local, state, regional and national levels as well as fund scholarships.

4-H is an important program that garners interest for young people in agriculture. It’s especially important in Pennsylvania, where agriculture is the top industry, making up 18% of the economy. However, studies have shown the industry is failing to replace its aging workforce, and that a deficit of about 75,000 people is expected over the next decade.

So, events like the one held last weekend can go a long way in helping the community and state.

Another weekend event was the Butler County Alliance for Children’s Strike Out Child Abuse on Sunday at the Family Bowlaway Fun Center.

The alliance’s aim for the event was to raise $20,000 in donations, but also for attendees to learn about the mission of the Alliance for Children and other local child advocacy organizations with which the alliance coordinates on responses to child abuse allegations.

It goes without saying that the alliance’s mission is an important one, and we hope it met its goal with the fundraiser.

Also in Monday’s paper was a story on the Allegheny-Clarion Valley School District’s Angels for Christmas project, which is in its 24th year. The project involves community members picking up angel tags that can act as Christmas ornaments from local churches and organizations. The age and gender of children in need in the community are listed on the tags, which can help participants determine which clothing items or gifts to get them for Christmas.

“(The items) were given to needy families who otherwise would not be able to see the joy of their children opening presents on Christmas morning,” said Julie Powell, an Emlenton business owner who launched the project in 1997.

And these were just three stories in Monday’s paper. Nearly every week, we report stories about local initiatives, drives or events held to raise money to help others in the community. We’re glad to see this and hope it continues, especially with the holidays around the corner.

— NCD