Neighbors helping neighbors. That&8217;s part of what makes living in Minnesota so great.

We applaud Albert Lea and Freeborn County for offering assistance to cities and counties in southeastern Minnesota ravaged by floodwaters. And kudos to local volunteers with the American Red Cross for taking time to help people in their time of need.

At a recent City Council meeting, Mayor Randy Erdman pointed out that Albert Lea received help from neighbors after floods in September 2004.

The city and county offered equipment and personnel. What actually goes eastward will be based on what flooded counties and cities request. After all, our area is the headwaters for several creeks and rivers, among them the Shell Rock, Le Sueur and Big Cobb. Our county seat is lodged between two lakes. Albert Lea and Freeborn County know floods.

The same reciprocation is seen all over Minnesota, particularly with fire departments and law enforcement. It&8217;s good to help out because one day they could be coming to help out our municipality.