Don’t let me hear anyone say people aren’t doing anything to better our community. I’ve got a snout full of examples that show volunteerism at its best  going on here and now for a better Panola County.

At North Panola High School Saturday approximately 50 campers and half as many volunteers were gathered for a basketball camp sponsored by Let’s Talk It Out. About the same number had been there the day before.

For over 11 years now, Billy Brown, his sister Rosemary Brown-McKinney and volunteers have been doing with kids what many others often meet and talk about.

Fifty pairs of eyes were intently focused on journalist- turned-professor (and Como native) Otis Sanford as he discreetly palmed the basketball while giving an inspirational message not just about the game, but about life and how it relates to the game.

Across town Justin Pope had scheduled a health fair that included volunteers from several local health agencies, underage drinking opponents as well as tobacco-free activists.

Their message promoted healthy lifestyles, good choices, and regular health screenings and checkups.

A lady at the health fair was discovered to have extremely high blood sugar. Several health professionals came together to discuss the root of the problem and assist the lady.

Across this county and possibly the entire Mid-South, churches are having Bible School with kids by the thousands attending while local Boys And Girls Clubs are also sponsoring summer programs.

This weekend Michael Oher with his foundation and friend Panola County native Jamarca Sanford and their NFL friends will host a football camp for youngsters who might not have means of going away to a camp.

Fred Hentz is also involved and for those of you who don’t know, there’s more than football involved for these young impressionable kids.

Following that on Saturday, a group of local ministers will have a rally at two Panola County locations promoting a vision of a safer and more peaceful community with a guest performance by Gospel rap artist Thi’sl from St. Louis.

Education, health, recreation, faith, communication are all involved somewhat in all of these volunteer endeavors.

If one child is convinced to further his education and become productive; if one adult will begin making sound food choices to better their health and extend quality of life; if one persons decides it’s time to quit an unhealthy habit; if one decides to accept the Savior; if one decides to leave the gun behind; if one gets a college education on a football scholarship, because of what is happening this weekend, the future is better.

Meanwhile let it be known that a lot of people are giving their time, money and expertise to help Panola County be a better place.

Naysayers need to back off or step up.