It seems as though each week we have at least one item in this paper about community members helping others in one way or another. That's a pretty impressive statistic. Whether it is a toy drive for sick children, a blood drive, or a fund raiser for a woman with leukemia, Levittown and the surrounding communities seem to get behind it and make a difference in the lives of others.

Even the smallest effort makes a difference to people who really need help. When you're not expecting the help is when it means the most to you. Can you think of something that a friend, neighbor or acquaintance has done for you? No matter how small that thing may have been, you probably appreciated it even if you never said thank you.

The greatest thank you that you could give to someone who has helped you is to extend that helping hand to someone else. If everyone followed that philosophy the community spirit that has been building over the last couple of years can only increase even more.

What can you do to extend a helping hand? There are so many opportunities out there waiting to be taken advantage of. All you have to do is look for it. You don't even have to look very far.

In the coming months you will have many opportunities to show that you care...for the community, for children, for strangers. There are blood drives all over Long Island each month, there is bowl-a-thon to raise money to fight breast cancer on March 20, the Levittown Community Council will be sponsoring a cleanup effort on April 17, John Theissen is looking for sponsors for his 100-mile run to help sick children... any one of these things can help others and make you feel good about yourself.

Take the time to find out just how good helping others can feel.