The recent Celebrating Our Volunteers event reminded me once again why some communities thrive and prosper while others stagnate and decline.

Volunteers at work at St. Joseph Food Program. Image Studios photo

The answer is simple: It’s the people.

People who act beyond their own self-interests to be kind to a neighbor, volunteer their time and talents to a non-profit organization or take their passion for an idea to others and find a way to make it happen.

This year our region opened an early learning center for our youngest children, will soon open a new Boys and Girls Club in Menasha and add a key trail connection for Neenah and Menasha. These are all examples of a thriving community that believes in and invests in its future.

At the same time, we are studying and debating decisions about an exhibition center, the future for Appleton’s library, regional transportation, and a whole host of other important issues.

We are fortunate to live in such a caring community where neighbors still help neighbors and acts of generosity are the rule rather than the exception.

Curt Detjen is President/CEO of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region. Email him at [email protected].