November doesn’t have to be the only time we give thanks, but gratitude can certainly help ease the gloominess of shorter days heading into the winter months.

The lucky majority of Americans still have some incredible things to be grateful for — like love of family and friends, comfortable shelter, good meals, good health, and a reliable means of transportation and paying bills.

Taking a step outside the circle of our everyday comfort, there are some we may consider heroes. If we’re lucky, these everyday heroes step, however shortly, into our lives. And we’re awfully glad they’re there.

First-responders are No. 1 heroes on this gratitude list.

Law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs and military troops are first onsite in an emergency. They’re highly trained to help save our lives and protect our property.

First-responders take an oath to do a job that can put them in harm’s way. That oath alone makes them heroes, not to mention what they actually endure after the oath is taken. They rely on our tax dollars to be paid, which means they’re not paid a great deal.

So, thank you, first- responders, for serving Americans so selflessly. And thanks again for helping save Mike’s life.

Second on my everyday hero gratitude list are mentors of children.

Think about who made a great positive impact on your life as a child. It could have been a special teacher, coach, librarian, religious figure, counselor or relative.

We sometimes learn a great deal more than we know at the time from those who possess the courage to give of themselves. My grandparents were my childhood mentors and practically raised me. My minister, Rev. Dixon, and my music teacher, Mr. Moeller, were my junior and high school mentors. They took the time to get to know who I was and what guidance I needed from them. I loved them for it. Thank you. I’ll never, ever forget you.

Third on my everyday hero list are volunteers who help those in need. Volunteers are all around us, but they never ask for our thanks. From those who organize to provide food for those who can’t afford to put enough on their own tables, to those who regularly take the time to check in on seniors and deliver meals to them. Thank you for taking the time to reach out. You make our community a far better place.

Here are a few local organizations to volunteer and/or donate to over the holidays, and all through the year.

— ShareNet Food Bank, 297-2266.
— Kingston Food Bank, 297-4861.
— St. Vincent de Paul utility assistance, 779-9980.
— Kingston churches providing community meals, 297-2000. 
— Meals-on-Wheels and Chuckwagon Senior Nutritional Program, (888) 877-8511.

Fourth on my list are everyday heroes like you. When times are tough, it’s harder to think of something to be grateful for. Yet, because we have all seen better times, each of us can take a step toward doing something for someone else.

Here are just a few ways to give thanks and pay thankfulness forward.

— Contact someone who has been a hero in your life. 
— Write a letter to the editor about something you truly believe in. 
— Hire a veteran, thank them for their service. 
— Donate time, money and/or goods to a worthy charitable organization. 
— Teach children by example.

Being an everyday hero makes us a better person.

— Marylin Olds is an opinion columnist for the Kingston Community News. Comments are welcome at marylin.olds@gmail.com.