We hope anyone who doubts this county’s empathy and compassion had an opportunity to attend the Day of Community Sharing on Saturday; or any of the advance registrations or volunteer training events leading up to Saturday.

The Day of Community Sharing was made possible by partnership between organizations, agencies and churches determined to ensure more than 315 students were ready for school, with new shoes, socks, haircuts, a book and school supplies.

But the project went beyond Patrick County, because children in a Third World country will receive a pair of shoes for each pair of shoes given to a local student.

Including participation in similar events held in Martinsville and Danville, more than 2,200 students were helped Saturday.

Organizations spearheading the local effort included the Rotary Club of Stuart, the Patrick County Community Coalition, the Patrick County Extension Office and Mercy Church.

Several additional organizations set up during Saturday’s event, to educate residents about community resources while youngsters were treated to a day of fun.

The organizations, agencies, churches and individuals who helped with the event took the time to understand the back-story. They made sure they understood the need before offering help, and they got it right.

They invested their time and efforts in our youngsters — the future of this county.

To each person who took the time from their own life to help make someone else’s a little brighter: Your empathy, compassion and willingness to help didn’t go unnoticed. Thank you.