Although some were, perhaps, a bit hasty in declaring the end of the coronavirus pandemic, it's great to see that a spirit of caring among Butler County residents and leaders remains.

Several stories this week brought attention to the fact that actions and decisions are being made to help those in need during this period of great stress and challenges.

The pandemic has not only claimed lives in the county, but it has also damaged livelihoods. Jobs have been lost and people who were already concerned about where their next meal might come from probably didn't find much relief during the past year and a half.

One group of people making a difference in their community this week was the Chicora Alliance Church's youth group and adult volunteers, who kicked off three free renovation projects at homes in Karns City, Petrolia and Worthington.

The effort is part of a longstanding tradition at the church to send volunteers on mission trips to other states to provide construction projects for homes. However, COVID-19 canceled those trips during the past two years, so the church instead focused on local construction projects, such as porch and roof repairs.

The volunteers' work had a pay-it-forward effect as a passerby spotted them, was impressed by the job they were doing and made a donation. We're impressed as well.

In other news, the Butler Area School District is keeping in the spirit of giving by extending free meals for students into the upcoming school year.

All students who are enrolled in the school district are eligible for a free breakfast and lunch during each school day. The meals are provided for students through a U.S. Department of Agriculture waiver.

This is good news. Children have enough on their minds, as do their parents, in terms of doing well in their studies, and have been through enough due to switching back and forth between remote learning and in-person instruction.

The last thing they need to worry about is where their next meal is coming from. We're glad to hear that the school district is making free meals available for students who need them during the upcoming school year.

Let's all hope the COVID-19 era eventually comes to an end. Until then, and long after it's over, let's keep up this spirit of generosity and looking out for each other.

— NCD