Two events this past weekend raised money and awareness for two very important initiatives — one for cancer research and the other to assist homeless veterans.

On Saturday, 28 teams made up mostly of local residents raised more than $100,000 during the Greater Cranberry Township Relay for Life, adding to the more than $19 million brought in by the event over the past 16 years.

The national event, which raises money for cancer research and patient support, was launched in 1985 by Dr. Gordon “Gordy” Klatt, a stomach cancer survivor who walked and ran for 24 hours around a track in Washington to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

“This community really comes together and really does a great job,” said Alexandra Vaughan, the event’s organizer, who noted that national Relay for Life events come in second place after the federal government for funding cancer research.

Meanwhile, the 10th annual Operation Sandtrap at the Hiland Golf Course in Butler raised $1,700 for homeless veterans. During the event, 141 veterans from all branches of the military took part in the best-ball golf outing. Over the past 10 years, the event has raised more than $30,000.

According to the National Cancer Society, the number of people who die from cancer each year has dropped about 27 percent over the past 25 years. While that’s great news, an estimated 1.7 million new cases of cancer were diagnosed in 2018 in the United States, and approximately 609,640 people died from cancer. That averages out to about 439 new cases of cancer out of every 100,000 men and women annually.

Regarding homeless veterans, about 11 percent of the adult homeless population is veterans, according to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development estimates that more than 40,000 U.S. veterans are without shelter on any given night.

Whether helping to fund research for cancer or ensuring that a person who is struggling after having served his or her country has a bed for the night, any amount of assistance is welcome. Even a small contribution could go a long way for one person in need of help.

Those hoping to make a difference in their community have numerous options from which to choose in Butler County. There are a variety of great places to volunteer and a number of annual events that bring in money or supplies for everything from low income families to the local humane society.

There are a number of great ways to give back to your community. Residents should take some time this summer to get involved.