Bremerton has reason to be proud.

After experiencing a Christmas time tragedy, officials at several Bremerton area social services and those at Volunteer in Bremerton are to be congratulated for their efforts.

When a Christmas Eve Day fire displaced about 50 residents at the Madrona Estates Apartments, they rushed into action.

Forget that it was Christmas Eve Day and all of them had their own holidays matters to tend to.  They answered the call.

The Bremerton American Red Cross,  the Bremerton Salvation Army and Volunteers in Bremerton came to the rescue of those who found themselves homeless, offering places for them to stay, blankets, warm clothing and warm meals.

Additionally, St. Vincent de Paul, Goodwill and the Bremerton Foodline helped make sure that those who were affected had their immediate needs met and are helping with long term care for both those who have moved back into their apartments and those who have relocated to new places.

For those who could return to their apartments, they were in need of food to replace that which was spoiled when the electricity was off for more than a day.

Volunteer in Bremerton members took charge and made sure that they had food gift cards and a way to get to the nearest grocery stores to replace their food.

For those who could not move back into their apartments because they were so severely damaged, the Red Cross and others have helped them find new places to live and are working to get those apartments furnished with everything from linens to dishes to televisions.

Community members responding to tragic situations and putting aside their own needs is the true definition of giving. It’s what community means.

And as these residents put their lives back together, all of us need to remember that social services need our help. Without steady donations, these social services will ceases to exist.

January is a hard time for all of us with our holiday bills to pay. But dig deep and make a donation to one of the social services that responded to this fire.

And next time emergency needs come about, volunteer to help. Give of your time and your money. Make this a community where we all share and care.