As we enter a holiday season in which travel is discouraged, gathering is discouraged, eating together is discouraged and even breathing (without a mask) is discouraged, it’s difficult not to be, well, discouraged.

And who could blame us for having had it up to here? Even though we know what we need to do to hinder the spread of the pandemic, we are all just plain tired. It doesn’t do any good to get mad, of course, but the frustration is palpable.

So, I am pleased to offer some words of encouragement. Some of you may recall the words of children’s television host, Fred Rogers, who famously recalled his mother telling him, in times of fear and trouble, to “look for the helpers. You will always find people willing to help.”

And so it is in our community and within our organization. I am more thankful than ever to be working alongside extraordinary people at Dorchester Bay who give their all to the community, and I am proud to be working in the field of community development where thousands of individuals are lifting their communities and each other up every day.

If you have a few minutes, have a look at this video of community development professionals across the Commonwealth describing what their organizations have been doing to help during the pandemic. (Dorchester Bay’s own Sharon Cho appears at the 3:02 mark!) All of these people and their organizations are helpers, and they are making an enormous difference.

Each and every one of you is a helper, too. By partnering with us, volunteering your time with us and, of course, supporting us with your donations, you are making a difference.

All I need to do is take a look around and I am reminded of how much there is to be thankful for. While this may be a holiday few of us will care to repeat, let us always remember how during this time of difficulty, we were there for each other.

We, in fact, are the helpers.

Very truly yours,