Feb 14, 2026 2 min read

Some days, it seems like all we hear is news of death, destruction and divisiveness.

Amongst those grim stories, however, there are also ones of hope and help – especially in our communities.

Over the several weeks, fires have ravaged the homes of individuals and families in Washington, Fayette and Greene counties.

Among them were fires at two separate apartment buildings, four others that left homes a total loss for their inhabitants, and one that destroyed a historic barn.

Last weekend, a water main break in Elrama damaged residents’ homes, businesses and the building from which the town’s volunteer fire company operates.

In the face of all of those, members of our communities stepped in to help, be it through donations or labor.

That generosity should not come as a surprise.

Think back to the devastating flooding in Connellsville a decade ago or the tornado that ripped through Uniontown in 2018. In 2017 severe rains left roads impassable and a football field under water in Waynesburg, and the apartment building collapse in downtown Washington that left one woman trapped and others without a place to live.

Each of those events was devastating, and in each instance, members of our community showed up to help.

They gave clothing and food, cleaning supplies and money, and thoughts and prayers.

Despite what we may think, that kind of generosity is a pattern that plays out across the country and is something that adults pass along to children.

“Altruism,” according to the Association for Psychological Science “is considered a hallmark of the human species’ success, and it’s a well-documented developmental milestone.”

Adults are responsible for setting an example, then passing the torch to our young people so they can show the next generation how important giving truly is.

Remember this the next time there is a fire, flood or other disaster in your community.

Support those in need, but remember children are watching and learning.