Youngsters find ways to help others after the storm

In some communities, the ice storm shut down everything. And while a significant dent has been made in restoring essential services that mostly rely on electricity, the recovery effort continues.

Even areas that were less hard hit endured business and government closings. And most schools districts were closed because it was simply too dangerous to transport students even if schools had heat and lights.

There are many ways for youngsters to stay busy when schools are closed. It was both interesting and encouraging to see many boys and girls looking for ways to help others.

There were the snow shovelers and ice choppers who offered to clean off sidewalks and driveways. Many of them found the task more than they bargained for, since the snow masked a dense layer of ice frozen solid as a rock.

Others offered to check on neighbors who had no business getting out of their houses. They offered to bring mail from mailboxes separated from homes by treacherous stretches of ice and snow.

Still others ran errands, picking up a gallon of milk at a convenience store or delivering other items that make snowbound life easier.

Yes, children found ways to have fun after the storm. They slid down slippery slopes and climbed back up to do it again. They built snow forts. Snowmen, however, were harder to come by this time, thanks to all the frozen rain and sleet mixed with the snow.

Hats off to all those youngsters who thought enough of others to look for ways to help out. Their deeds helped make the aftermath of Ice Storm 2009 more bearable for a good many folks.