On March 20th a devastating fire totally destroyed a barn on a working dairy farm just outside of Mertztown in Longswamp Township.  Thankfully, nobody was hurt and only one cow succumbed to the stress of being evacuated from the burning building and transferred to a neighboring farm.

            Scores of volunteer firefighters responded to the scene and were able to contain the fire to the barn, keeping the home and other buildings from the inferno's spread.

            A nightmare in itself, but the afterthought of rebuilding a business from the ashes of a fire that leveled a barn would only add to the losses a family would suffer.  But, remember that you're in the land of the Amish, Mennonite, and a host of other caring farmers, friends, and neighbors ready to volunteer to help you.

            In less time than it would take for an insurance adjuster to respond and begin the paperwork that hopefully would begin the restorative process for the farmer, something happened in Longswamp.

            In less than one week, the ashes and debris were cleared, the cement blocks were laid, the frame was built, and the roofing and siding were in place.  On Friday afternoon, more than a dozen workers were on the roof hammering in the last of the roof-boards while a half-dozen teens were busy cutting lumber.  Two young women on bicycles were pulling trailers carrying large broilers, containing lunch for the workers.  By Saturday, the walls were up.  All in the name of The Golden Rule - "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

            In less time than it would take to file a proper insurance claim, the barn was back up.  This took place just a little over 15 miles northwest of here. 

            That's what people should do for others in a time of need.

            A front-page story in today's edition reports of a family's anguish over friends, relatives, and all of the people suffering in Ukraine.  They did what people should do for others in a time of need.

            So did the Palm Schwenkfelder Church, who has been collecting items for Ukrainians in need for several weeks.

            Numerous organization and private donors have joined in and, using the Church as a collection point, donated to help the people of Ukraine.  It is said that "Many hands make the work lighter" and many hands with donations will help.  The task the world has taken on to help the Ukrainians will take many hands, for a long time.

            Step up and help where you can.  Lay down your pen or keyboard and answer a call for help.

            See the story on our front page and pay special attention to the current "needs" list.

            Then, make it a point to donate what you can, as soon as you can, and be someone who did for other people in a time of need.

            Because that's what people should do.