Each year, the Wetzel County Chamber of Commerce puts on an awards dinner to recognize some of the people in our community who help to make our area a better place to live. This year was no different. However, one thing that’s been noticed in attending many of the meeting and events around the county is, a lot of the faces that show up to make various events possible are always the same.

From The Chamber of Commerce to some of the various civic organization and church groups, to local business leaders, it seems that time and again, the same people make a lot of what goes on around the area actually work. These individuals attend countless meetings and go out and solicit donations from local businesses and try to round up volunteers for events. Then, invariably, these same people are working behind the scenes at these same events–ranging from Town and Country days to the Chili-Fest or Relay for Life–to make certain they go off without a hitch.

Perhaps you have attended some of these events around the county, or received aid from some of the charitable organizations around town, or just enjoyed the fireworks from you porch as one of these events drew to a close. However, have you ever given any thought into what all has to come together to make these things a reality? Better yet, have you ever thought about volunteering your time to help others or improve our community?

If you haven’t, perhaps you should. There are plenty of ways you can make a difference. From church groups, to local clubs, adopting a highway or donating food, there are plenty of groups out there which are trying to make our little towns better places to live for all of us, and you can be a part of that. One thing there is never enough of is people who are eager to lend a hand. So next time you enjoy taking part in an activity around town, learn how you can help be a part of making it better.

Our sincere congratulations to those honored at this year’s Chamber dinner, and our thanks to the Chamber for their efforts in recognizing those who deserve acclaim.