Without a sense of caring, there can be no sense of community.

“Without a sense of caring, there can be no sense of community.” -Anthony J. D'Angelo

There are events that occur in my daily life that give me pause, as I am reminded why I love and care so much for this community. Sometimes it is an event, while other times it is the actions of an organization or that of several individuals. This last weekend there was an event that once again reminded me why Darien is such a wonderful place to call home.

This year, I accepted the task of chairing the Darien Lions Club Candy drive. For those who are new to our city, “Candy Day” is a yearly event, where the club raises funds for humanitarian efforts locally and through the Lions of Illinois Foundation. The forty percent that is kept for local needs funds eye exams, local food pantries, and numerous other charitable organizations. The most visible aspect of this event are those Lions who don their yellow safety vests and walk up and down the intersections of the city “shaking their can,” and asking for contributions. These “street warriors” as I call them carry out this activity come rain, snow or sunny weather. This last weekend, fifty-eight members of the club were out there on Friday and Saturday battling cold weather, tired legs and feet, all in an effort to raise money for those less fortunate than themselves.

As the weekend progressed, I was struck by the realization that each of these Lions who had given of their time for this effort, were demonstrating what is meant by the word “community.” While their work came under the label of the Darien Lions Club, these individuals were really demonstrating what Coretta Scott King meant when she said, “the greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members." The individuals engaged in this activity as well as all the businesses and individuals that contributed to the event demonstrated how this City of ours really comes together in an effort to assist others, especially those individuals who are struggling to provide a stable life for their families. As my late father stated, “always take care of others, especially those less fortunate, and God will always take care of you.”

Thank you to the Darien Lions Club and all those who contributed to this effort, your participation definitely demonstrated what Helen Keller offered us so many years ago, that “Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.” We should all be proud that we live in a city that has individuals with such a dedication and sense of community.