While Butler County’s winters don’t seem to be as blustery and snow-laden as the ones Grandpa remembers, the season would still be extremely uncomfortable without the benefit of a good winter coat.

Thanks to the benevolence and concern of many who donated coats, more than 1,000 Butler residents — mostly children — will have a warm winter this year.

The coats were distributed Friday, Oct. 11, at the Butler City Farmers’ Market building on South Chestnut Street. Many mothers could be seen slipping their little ones into puffy winter coats to try them on for size.

The coats were collected by the Center for Community Resources.

Linda Thoma said that in years past, the coats mainly went to people at the poverty level.

But the increased cost of food, housing, utilities, gasoline and other essentials has stretched family budgets past their limits and thrust many families into the world of social services.

Thoma said those getting coats on Friday should not be stigmatized as lazy or viewed as not trying hard enough to support their families, likewise the individuals and families who attend the free dinners each weekday evening at five Butler churches.

Organizers of those meals have said they’ve seen a huge increase in participation, and they also attribute it to financial pressures on family budgets recently.

Luckily, residents who have a few nickels left in their pockets on payday continue to demonstrate their true care and concern for their neighbors by donating coats, food, clothing and anything else needed by people facing tough financial times.

We hope that continues, and we salute those who work hard every day to support their families, especially if their toiling doesn’t seem to result in enough money to cover basic expenses.

It’s encouraging to know there are truly good people out there who cannot stand the thought of a neighbor going without.

The Eagle offers a tip of the cap to all who support local efforts to supply our county’s residents with the things they need to live every day.

— PG