Just recently, we stressed the importance of watching out for friends and neighbors as temperatures plunge. Everyone knows how Western Pennsylvania winters are: lots of slush and bitter cold for a painfully long stretch of months.

On Friday, the Center for Community Resources hosted its annual Bundle Up Butler drive, where people who register for the event can get coats and winter clothing items.

The giveaway took place between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and the drive-through line stayed busy throughout the duration.

The center gave out close to 800 new coats — an impressive, commendable, yet slightly troubling number.

It’s comforting to know that so many were able to retrieve the necessary items to stay warm this winter without having to decide what other necessities to sacrifice in order to make it happen.

But that balancing act is one that many of us have had to perform as we put the worst of the pandemic behind us. Everyone has been touched by it in some way. It would be more than a little repetitive to say that times are tough.

Any assumptions we used to make in regards to others no longer apply in today’s society. Everyone has to make choices about where to direct their assets and energy, and we don’t truly know what others are going through behind closed doors.

It’s important to be mindful as well as helpful as we ourselves power through.

We commend everyone involved with Bundle Up Butler for their efforts to ensure those who needed new winter gear had it before the current warm spell takes a turn after this weekend.

Enjoy the sun before the scarves and gloves come out of storage.

—CM