Each year on Thanksgiving, we strive to thank those in the community who have made a difference in our lives.

From the people who deliver our mail, to the people who put their lives on the line each day to protect us and other residents, to those who teach our children, this list could go on and on.

We thank the people who care for our elders in the community and those who serve our children and our most vulnerable residents.

Thank you to all school staff, not only teachers and administration, but custodians who keep the schools safe and clean for our children, lunchroom staff who ensure the children receive a nutritious meal during their day and other support staff such as librarians, paraeducators, and speech and occupational therapists, who sometimes get overlooked.

Thank you to the employees who serve us at restaurants, gas stations, retail stores and grocery stores. Without them, much of our daily lives would come to a grinding halt.

Thank you to all of the city and county employees, not only the leaders, but also the street crews, the librarians, the crews who beautify our parks and all the other people who help bring order to our community.

Thank you to the business owners, who put their own livelihood on the line to bring a good or service to town, and for the leaders of our churches, who in many instances help with not only spiritual needs, but emotional and physical needs, too.

Thank you to the leaders of the community’s nonprofit organizations, those who volunteer their time to better others and those who work to better residents without seeking recognition.

Thank you to all of the first responders, ambulance crews and workers at our local hospitals and clinics, who help us when we are not able to help ourselves.

We have much to be grateful for, and this list only brushes the surface.

We especially thank you, our readers. Thank you for placing your trust in us as a news source and for supporting local journalism.

Thank you for your news tips and for submitting photos from events that we are not able to attend. You help document our community’s history, and we are grateful.

We could not do it without you.