Lending a helping hand

Like most rural communities, Monroe has a very strong community of people who are willing to lend a helping hand when needed. There are many service groups in our area - Kiwanis, Jaycees, Knights of Columbus, Optimists. You can find a listing of the many groups in our area via our website.

We have thrown our membership hat into the Optimists ring. The Optimists have the motto of "Bringing Out the Best in Kids." Through various fundraisers, the local Optimists clubs raise thousands of dollars every year to support many local groups, give scholarships to local students and help the families of children with cancer.

The Optimists rally around local families who have a child diagnosed with cancer. Usually our groups help pass support on to families in other communities, but this fall they are coming together to help a local family who is dealing with a cancer diagnosis.

This week, they are doing a food drive to help make sure the family has this basic need met. With so many of the family's resources going elsewhere right now, food is needed. Please consider dropping off what you can to help. A collection box will be at the Swiss Alps restaurant through Thursday, November 20. If you can, please stop in to donate.

If you are not a member of the Optimists, consider attending their meeting this week and bring your donation then. The morning club meets from 6:30 to 7:30 am every Thursday morning at Swiss Alps. Come for breakfast, listen to the weekly speaker, talk with the members and start your day in a different way. Breakfast is only $5, and guests attending their first meeting get it for free.