The Beatles, when they began acknowledging they weren’t so self-assured, would have liked the Miss-Lou.

The community would have — and still will — provided the much-needed “help” to somebody, anybody, someone who was feeling down and needed help getting his feet back on the ground.

For anyone who has spent more than a week in town, the community’s helping hand is obvious.

But in case you need a reminder, since this time last year the Miss-Lou has:

4 Rallied together to exterminate termites eating away at Pleasant Acre Day School.

4 Raised $15,000 at a fun-day on the Riverfront for cancer patient Shane Seyfarth.

4 Begun work to open a pregnancy center to aid those who may find themselves in need.

4 Raised enough money to help community member Eric Barbato find suitable housing after his house was destroyed in a fire.

4 Filled several football stadiums with pink to raise money and awareness for breast cancer.

4 Formed a circle of love around baby Tucker Hinson and his family, donating blood and offering support.

4 Chipped in at multiple fundraisers for baby Ellis Malone and her family.

4 Opened a new thrift store aimed at providing affordable goods for those in need.

4 Given up a free day off from school to clean up yards after Tropical Storm Isaac downed limbs and power lines.

4 Made (and eaten) spaghetti, pancakes, chili, jambalaya and more yummy goodies to raise money for adults and children in need.

4 Sent more than 700 boxes full of goodies to soldiers overseas.

4 Packed a bus with school supplies and organized a garage sale to benefit local children.

4 Prepared and shipped more than 2,000 shoeboxes full of toys to needy children around the world.

Not convinced yet? The list could go forever and should certainly include the thousands upon thousands of dollars raised at Relay for Life each year, the monthly donations that keep the Stewpot open and countless can and clothing drives around town.

Creating a comprehensive list of how the Miss-Lou helps is impossible, since so many people do so many things that are never even publicized.

But no one around here is interested in the running tally. Those who know the Miss-Lou know the community steps up in times of need.

So as we approach Thanksgiving, take a few minutes to be thankful for your great community. It’s a community that cares, and that simply doesn’t happen everywhere.

The coming weeks are also a great time of need in our community. Difficult economic times have increased the requests for assistance turned in at local non-profits, and that’s unlikely to ease up overnight.

Nearly 20 non-profits will rely on your helping hands and giving hearts in the weeks to come as they serve those in need and build up enough donations to operate through 2013.

This newspaper will begin next week in a series we call Season of Wishes, highlighting each of those agencies, what they do and how you can help.

Take the time to learn about the helpers around you, pick an agency that’s especially close to your heart and remember what The Beatles said.

“Won’t you please, please help me?”

 

Julie Cooper is the managing editor of The Natchez Democrat. She can be reached at 601-445-3551 or julie.cooper@natchezdemocrat.com.