The news was devastating — more than 150,000 dead after an earthquake and resulting tsunamis struck different Asian countries, India, and parts of Africa. Even to journalists accustomed to dealing with issues of human tragedy, the number is staggering.

The tsunami tragedy will undoubtedly be one of the greatest natural disasters ever, and certainly the greatest that we will encounter in our lives. While the Pacific Rim seems far away to those of us in Montana, it was touching to see how local businesses and residents have attempted to pitch in and help.

All around the county, local businesses are setting out donation cans, schools are having fundraisers, radio stations are giving free air time to plug the events, and folks are digging deep to help out. It was heartening to watch the Lake City Bakery and Eatery staff raise almost $4,500 last Saturday — all voluntary donations in just a four-hour time period. Some folks stopped by just to give money, without eating a bite.

What is most amazing is that, frankly, having a little extra money to "throw around" isn't a luxury most Montanans have, especially in Lake County. Yet contributions are rolling in from all walks of life. We wish we had the space to note all of the businesses and people who've done something for the cause, but we'd probably accidentally leave someone out. Just know that your time, effort and money are going to help folks who have it a lot harder than we do.

Having travelled to more than a half dozen developing countries around the world, I can tell you that whatever your daily life here in Montana brings you, and regardless of your bank account, we've got it pretty good in America. And it's nice to see folks recognizing that as the contributions keep rolling in.