What do snowmen have in common with volunteers? At our Whitefish Library, Joey Kositzky and her staff of Skeeter Johnston, Mary Powers, Sue Madler and Barbara Turner, plus a host of volunteers, believe their snowmen epitomize volunteerism — they spread cheer, comfort and good will and expect nothing in return.

Each year at about this time, hundreds of snowmen are "let out of their boxes' to adorn the shelves of the library, where they will remain until after Winter Carnival. Largely donated by patrons, they come in all shapes, sizes and colors and provide a festive atmosphere. Referring to them as "our good will ambassadors," Joey and her staff describe the magical feeling the snowmen create in children, and how they take adults and transport them back to their childhood.

If you haven't visited the library recently and haven't seen the snowmen, you should. While there, make a guess as to how many there are, and you may win a prize. (Here's a tip — a whole bunch.)

As the end of the year approaches, we tend to reflect on the past and look to the future. In our community, we are fortunate because the past year was made better and our future is more secure because we are surrounded by friends.

We may not be acquainted with these friends or even know their names, but they are friends nonetheless. We call them volunteers. To those who volunteer, we express our appreciation. To those who are less fortunate, we hope the new year will see their problems resolved. To one and all, we wish a Happy New Year.

— Jake Heckathorn

This column is dedicated to those who give freely of their time and energy to worthwhile community projects, but whose efforts often go unnoticed. If you know such a person, please e-mail [email protected].