It’s often said that actions speak louder than words, and we live in a polarized era when words — often negative ones hurled back and forth from opposite sides of the political aisle — frequently outshine action.

So, it’s great to see action being taken among county residents and various entities to help others at a time of great need. We like to draw attention to such good deeds.

One such recent incident exemplified another oft-used phrase: Ask and you shall receive.

Patrick and Diane O’Donnell approached Hosanna Industries, a Pennsylvania nonprofit that helps people in need with home repairs, to fix a hole in their roof, but ended up getting more than they expected.

Instead, the nonprofit told the Middlesex Township couple it would help them start from scratch. The group demolished the home and set up a new foundation. On a recent Monday, the nonprofit started building a new house for the couple and, by Thursday, it was completed.

The home’s bathroom and side door were made handicap accessible for Patrick O’Donnell, who has mobility difficulties, and the nonprofit’s staff will continue to make itself available for ongoing repairs.

Following a year of nonstop coverage of COVID-19 cases and deaths — and other strife — a story like this gracing the cover of the Eagle is a welcome change.

Then, this past weekend, we ran a story on the second annual Campout for Community, during which 10% of the profits earned April 16 from three Sprankle’s Neighborhood Market stores will be donated to Salvation Army service units.

Additionally, kettles will be in the stores and a gofundme.com account will be set up for donations. The Pennsylvania Skill Games will match donations up to $10,000.

A Salvation Army representative said money raised will be used to help people struggling during the pandemic with various needs, such as utility bills.

“We really care about the communities, and when you live and work in those communities, you want them to do well,” said store owner Doug Sprankle.

We agree. Despite the past year’s hardships, we often find ourselves drawing attention on this page to the good deeds of various residents, businesses or other local groups. The fact that we’re able to do so often means that there are many people in Butler County who take time out of their lives to help others in their community.

We hope this continues. For those performing actions that help lift up others in need, we say thank you.

— NCD