Great weekend of giving in McCook

Our buttons are bustin' with pride after another phenomenal week of caring and sharing by the people of the McCook area. Every time we turned around this past weekend, there was another inspirational example of volunteers donating their time and talents to help those in need.

Setting the stage for the weekend of giving were the antics of the theater troupe, who dressed up in Mardi Gras outfits and waved long strings of beads to attract donors to the Gulf Coast Relief fund. The effort was a great success, with more than $12,000 donated as of 8:30 a.m. this morning.

It was a wonderful, spontaneous project which came together in less than a week. Thanks to Howard Kool Honda, Kugler Co. and McCook Radio Group for spearheading the project, and thanks to the Southwest Nebraska Community Theater Association for their spirited participation.

Giving was also the theme Sunday, when walkers and croquet players gathered at Norris Park to raise funds for the Alzheimer's Association. More than $4,700 was contributed, with 85 percent of the money earmarked for local support groups, and the rest going for Alzheimer's research.

What a noble cause and what a nice, caring way to call attention to the needs of those suffering from Alzheimer's.

Also this weekend, the McCook area demonstrated its giving spirit by launching the second Habitat for Humanity home in the community. The Habitat program is such a wonderful way to give. With their donated labor, volunteers are giving families an opportunity to have a home of their own. It's like an old-fashioned barn raising ... neighbors giving neighbors a helping hand.

The weekend also marked the first varsity home game use of the new locker room, dressing room and concession area at Weiland Field. The project is yet another example of community giving, as it would not have been possible without generous donations from businesses and individuals, many of whom gave anonymously. Thanks, volunteers. Thanks, donors. Your giving spirit is uplifting this town and this nation.