This year, like many others I will sit down and write a list of the things I am thankful for – family, friends, good health, Jane Austen, the New Moon movie and my wonderfully warm Ugg boots.

However, I think there is a long list that Garner residents may not think about when saying thanks. The employees of Garner do an amazing job everyday.

This month, they went above and beyond the call of duty, raising more than $15,000 for the United Way. It’s amazing to me how in a time when everyone is worried about making ends meet, your town staff has been so generous.

During a luncheon Nov. 12, Town Manager Hardin Watkins said he was impressed at how giving the employees were with their hard-earned dollars. What a great way to put it.

While I sit at my desk in a warm office, the public works employees are no doubt out in the cold keeping Garner beautiful. It’s truly inspiring to know that so many don’t stop giving of themselves when they punch the clock at 5 p.m. each day.

In addition, Garner residents have rallied to give in other ways. On Nov. 21, many gathered at the Garner United Methodist Church for Packages for Patriots II to assemble boxes for soldiers in Iraq. During Packages for Patriots I and II, Garner residents sent more than 500 boxes overseas.

As a member of a military family, I cannot thank them enough for their efforts. It means so much to the men and women in uniform to know someone cares. And it means a lot to their families, who cannot always afford to send care packages on a regular basis.

Others choose to serve at their churches leading Sunday school or with one of Garner’s many civic clubs raising money for great causes. Some even choose to serve the community by protecting it everyday as a member of the police force or emergency response team.

While we have to wait in line at a store or to find a parking space at the mall during this holiday season, I sincerely hope we can all remember to act in the same fashion as these generous and caring members of our community. Showing that kindness is just another way of serving your community and something many can be thankful for this year.

The tough economic times can lead to many acting out in anger from stress, so it’s more than nice to have patience with one another. It’s very necessary.

I truly believe that Garner is a great place to be – not because of the parks or sidewalks – but because of the amazing people and their loving attitudes toward one another.

So, when I write my list on Thursday, I won’t forget to add Garner’s great residents and Town employees. I hope you won’t either.

Happy Thanksgiving.