A few years ago, the city of Steamboat Springs had a marketing campaign called “Kindness Floats the Boat.” At the time I thought it was a bit cheesy, but it really is true.

In a year when adversarial political commentary is rampant, Facebook comments on current, local political events can be downright nasty, and the national news can be difficult for many of us to stomach, it is encouraging to see our community step up to take care of each other.

Because of the current government shutdown the food security of over 600 Routt County residents, and 40 million people nationwide is at risk.

In the wake of this upsetting situation, my heart is warmed to see our community stepping up and creating programs and services to help SNAP recipients feed their families.

From the $60,000 in funding released by Steamboat Springs City Council, to new partnerships between LiftUp and regional and local organizations, including asking for 700 turkeys and hams for the holiday season, to pop up foodbanks at our airport in Hayden, to the local United Way and Steamboat Stampede Hockey collecting Safeway and City Market gift cards, the residents of this valley are stepping up in big and small ways to help our neighbors.

It’s a beautiful thing to see and demonstrates that kindness truly does float the boat.