We are more than glad to throw our endorsement behind programs within the county that are aimed at helping friends, neighbors and co-workers.

The Butler County Tourism and Convention Bureau’s Talk About Takeout and the We Care Butler County program — which is being promoted by the county commissioners, the Center for Community Resources and the tourism bureau — are two such programs that are new and unique this year.

We hope they will help those in need from going without basic food. These are two new ideas that are worthy of support and, if it works for you, we ask that you give as you can through your blessings.

We hope another program that we had a hand in building from the ground up will not be forgotten or set aside this year without its leader.

Two decades ago, we sat down with Bob Brandon, owner of the local radio station at the time, and local tire dealer (and future county commissioner) Dale Pinkerton for lunch.

The fruit of our lunchtime discussion became the Rotary Turkey Roundup. Since that inaugural effort, the Rotary clubs across Butler County have cooperated in raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to be used to provide food baskets, including turkeys to households that were in need that year. There have never been any qualifications to receive the items nor were there any expectations that went with the gifts.

What is different this year is the absence of the front man, the clear leader of the effort and a colorful personality who celebrated life through charitable giving. Yes, in later years Dale became a political target as all public servants do. But even in the days of the most ugly political arguments, Dale never let go of this particular venture.

We hope those of you with the means to give again will do so, not so much for Dale, but in honor of all the other dedicated Rotary clubs across the county, including the new Saxonburg Rotary and the club that has become offspring of the Rich-Mar Rotary Club.

There are at least 13 Rotary clubs in Butler County and several hundred Rotarians. You will find them in all walks of life and in every style of neighborhood. They will be the ones doing something for somebody else.

Before the week ends, we challenge you to pick any one of these causes and support it. Maybe the few dollars that you send may make the difference, which allows someone’s family to have a fantastic Christmas. And please wear your mask.

— RV