People usually are willing to help out their friends and family. A lot of people in the Mid-Columbia also are ready to "jump in" and help people they don't even know or -- gasp -- the guy that works for the other company.

There's a letter on this page from someone who was pushed out of the snow by a passer-by. We're sure that same scenario played out hundreds of times in the past week.

It's nice to see. In fact, we'll call it heartwarming.

Polar Plunge

Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna described his first Polar Plunge as "breathtaking." We're sure that's a fitting description from someone taking a dip in 37-degree water in the middle of January.

(Even in August, the Columbia River is chilly.)

McKenna was joined by 683 other "brave" souls and they raised $125,000 for Special Olympics.

Of course there are people who will do crazy stuff for no reason whatsoever. There are also people who won't submit their bodies to that kind of abuse for any reason.

But thanks to those who plan, protect and participate in what is quickly growing into a community tradition.

Anything for a good cause, right?

Teapot Dome

Quirky landmarks are part of any region's heritage -- and are worth preserving. The Teapot Dome is a prime example. In fact, it's even a political statement.

The dome was built in 1922 in response to scandals over President Warren G. Harding's order to transfer oil reserves at Teapot Dome, Wyo., to the Department of the Interior.

Now this Yakima Valley icon can be seen from the freeway. But you don't get much of an appreciation or a history lesson at 70 mph.

Its new home will be off the beaten path in the city of Zillah, but will be more of a destination, where visitors can stop and look and learn more about the oddity and the Valley.

We're grateful for community members who share visions and work to make them come true.

Tale of two carriers

This story happened early one morning, no doubt while it was still dark outside. And it was most definitely cold.

Snow lay everywhere.

Jackie Mincey was almost through with her paper route, when she saw Florentino Martinez delivering the other paper.

"Ha, ha. Florentino is stuck in the snow. Now is my great chance to get ahead in the publishing world," thought Mincey.

OK, so most of that little story is true. Except that when Mincey saw that Martinez was stuck, se didn't laugh. She stopped and pushed him out -- twice.

In fact, it was Mincey who noticed Martinez's van was on fire and helped him get to safety. Martinez recently lost a leg to diabetes and gets around with the aid of walker, which made the assist particularly welcome.

This story could have gone much differently. We're happy for the happy ending.

Tent event

It's inspiring to see a kid voluntarily raise money for someone else. It's especially inspiring that 10-year-old Devin Fisher Morasch spent a year on his goal to raise $1,000 for the Gospel Union Mission.

The Raise Your Tents event does two good things for our community. It raises money for the homeless. But beyond actual dollars, it raises awareness.

No matter your situation, there are others worse off than you are. We all have something to be grateful for.

Sometimes we can give money to help someone else. Sometimes all we can give is an encouraging word and a smile.

The money helps buy necessities like food and warmth. But the kindness is something that just can't be bought.