(Editorial - Graphic Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

Across the Mid-Ohio Valley there are signs that others have valued their communities enough that they gave what they could to improve quality of life. In many cases, there are literal signs bearing the names of those who gave — money, buildings, land and other resources — to provide places where the rest of us could learn, play, grow and explore.

But in some cases, we don’t know who gave. We just know they made a difference.

Such is the case with an anonymous donation to the Wood County Commission last week of more than 32 acres of land that had been leased for ATV trails in Mountwood Park.

According to Wood County Clerk Joe Gonzales, the donor is a born-and-raised Wood Countian who had moved away, but wanted to make a difference.

“She just wants to help the community,” he said.

Wood County Parks Director Jeremy Cross emphasized the importance of the gift.

“Without the donation … we wouldn’t be able to have that section,” Cross said of the flat track areas for ATV trails.

In a region such as ours, it is important that we all look after one another, in whatever way we can. For each of us, the ability to give back is different. Not everyone can give money or other tangible support. But most of us can give of our time and effort. Perhaps the Mountwood Park gift will serve as inspiration for each of us to discover how we can help, too.

Meanwhile the land donor may not have wanted any recognition for her generosity, but she must know — she has certainly earned our thanks.