Lending a hand

Big storms like hurricanes make big headlines, but the suffering of those whose lives are shattered by the forces of nature is no less in Crosstown, Mo., than in New Orleans, La.

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, a great deal of attention was focused on rescue and relief efforts. Some would argue that there are some catastrophes that are beyond the scope of private and government efforts. Others would argue that bad management and bad decisions created bungled rescues and assistance for thousands of New Orleans residents stranded by floodwaters.

It is quite likely that the intensified attention to these matters has left every rescue and relief agency more circumspect about its operations.

In any event, residents of Crosstown had high praise for both the level of response after a tornado wiped out most of the community's buildings and for the speed in which assistance arrived.

Since that stormy evening, Crosstown has been assisted by hundreds of rescue workers, relief organizations, government emergency-response teams, insurance adjusters and private citizens who showed up to lend a helping hand and some much-appreciated muscle.

Saxony Lutheran High School demonstrated the concern and willingness to pitch in last week when the entire student body spent the day in Crosstown helping in the cleanup efforts.

That's the spirit of our area, and it is one we call all be proud of.