The immediate and generous response from the LaGrange and Troup County communities to the horrible storms that ripped through nearby Lee County, Alabama on Sunday has been a reassuring reminder of the work that can be done in times of need for others.

Life-threatening storms pummeled the communities of Beauregard and Smiths Station, Alabama on Sunday, leaving more than two dozen people dead and many more without basic amenities. It was one of the worst storm fronts to hit the state since Tuscaloosa was ravaged by tornadoes in 2011, and will result in a prolonged, fitful cleanup for those affected in Lee County.

The response to provide aid to our neighbors across the state line has been both immediate and uplifting. We posted a question on our Facebook page Tuesday morning, inquiring if any local groups had made plans to send supplies to Lee County. We received more than 10 replies in short order, different groups coming together to bring relief to those who need it. Those groups included the following:

Team members from WellStar West Georgia Medical Center, Long Cane Elementary School, Callaway High School and Middle School, LaGrange College, Gardner Newman Middle School, B’s Meat Market, Teaver Road Baptist Church, the Columbus Ironclad Division of the US Navy Sea Cadets Corps and Abby Terry.

We are sure there were many others who donated and are donating their time, talents and treasures to help those affected as well. It is a great reminder of the generous nature of our community, which can so easily be lost or forgotten in the daily muck of social media and online commenters. Those loud, often ugly voices we see online remain the minority in our society, they often just shout the loudest.

If you are looking for a true cross-section of our community, look no further than to the response shown over the past few days to lend a helping hand to our neighbors in need.