Your mission for today is kindness

“It’s like watching a movie play out on screen.”

I can’t tell you how many times I have heard friends, family and colleagues speak those words over the past few days. With the exception of the Twin Towers on 9/11, I’ve not felt such a profound sense of disbelief myself.

On Monday, I answered a call from an elderly reader in Hayden. She was looking for help shopping for groceries. After getting her in touch with a volunteer, she thanked me and ended the call by saying, “I’m scared.” Her sincerity and basic need reminded me that we could all do more to protect our community.

Beneath the commotion and noise, many of our community members have already come together to care for this community. Wednesday’s online meeting of the recently formed Serving Friends & Neighbors committee, open to faith leaders of all denominations, was proof that North Idaho’s heart endures. Eleven leaders, representing nine churches and non-profits, brainstormed the priorities of today, and what significant impact this new team of compassionate volunteers can have in the future. Harnessing the time, talent and treasure of this vast and growing network of congregants and volunteers to focus on one thing; our little corner of the world.

To those that have already taken the time to make someone else more comfortable or feel less fearful and alone, I want to say thank you for reminding us what communities do in times of uncertainly and stress; Keeping an eye on unfolding events while lending a hand to those who need help.

“We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.” – Ronald Reagan

For more than 50 years, the Bonner County Daily Bee has been the voice of Bonner County. Nowhere does that voice resonate more clearly than in our archive. Among those yellowed pages and decades of bound editions, we see evidence of that voice guiding our readers through times of war and national tragedy and rejoicing beside you in times of victory and celebration.

It remains our top priority to be a significant resource for Bonner County during this trying time. I want our readers to know, not only are we committed to timely and factual news and information, we are committed to the health and safety of this community.

Focusing on good news when we need it most; More care, less uncertainty.

If you see an urgent need, or if you can volunteer to assist where needed (within federal guidelines & restrictions), or to offer resources and goods, we will work to share your message in the Bonner County Daily Bee through our print, website and e-edition. Bringing our community peace of mind.

I would also like to invite you to share stories and photos of community members and organizations that are taking the extra (and sometimes overlooked) steps to care for Bonner County.

To share, please email our local publisher, Bill Davis, at [email protected]. We will do our best to connect the need with a solution.