The coronavirus pandemic has brought many things to a screeching halt — from festivals and other gatherings to businesses operating at full capacity — but there’s at least one exception to that rule: volunteering and charitable works in Butler County.

The generosity of county residents has remained a constant, despite a pandemic that has otherwise reduced activity.

One such example was a group of nearly 30 volunteers who turned out last weekend to help complete an outdoor playground for Cranberry Township’s Rose E. Schneider Family YMCA.

Throughout the day on Saturday, county residents helped to install a zip line, slides and other equipment for the playground, which is expected to open by May 1.

The playground was made possible by a charitable act: the Cranberry Township Rotary helped raise $25,000 for its creation.

Elsewhere in the county, the nonprofit Butler County Veterans in Need Fund is in the process of expanding its efforts to get homeless veterans off the streets and into homes. Its board of directors is raising money to purchase a new warehouse because the current site the group rents — which is used to store furniture for homeless veterans who are in the process of transitioning to a residence — is too small for operations.

The group, which relies on the charity of county residents, is hoping that those who are able to give will once again donate to make the new warehouse a reality.

“People are very generous — we highly appreciate it,” said John Cyprian, the president of the fund’s board of directors.

The fund gives furniture it receives through donations to the veterans, but also provides financial assistance for paying utilities and other urgent needs. Last year, it gave $40,000 to help homeless veterans.

And lastly, more than 300 runners turned out this past weekend for the annual Shamrock Shuffle held by the Zelienople Rotary. The event, which was canceled last year because of COVID-19, raises money for community service projects in Zelienople and Harmony. The Rotary is also involved in initiatives to combat food insecurity in the region.

So while COVID-19 has canceled many things, community spirit and the desire to help others are not among them. Those who have taken the time to volunteer, especially during this challenging era, should be commended.

— NCD