CLAY COUNTY -- As we step into 2026, we look back at 2025 with more fondness than despair. When some in our community hurt, others stepped forward with a helping hand. When their hearts ached, we embraced in support.

Our firefighter heroes reunited with Baby Vianca, who had been trapped underwater for more than 13 minutes in Black Creek. They brought her back from the dead, and now they cherish every moment they get to hug her.

We rallied around our hungry neighbors when benefits were cut off during the government shutdown.

We celebrated groundbreakings for homes for foster children. We rejoiced as a dream became tilled dirt, then concrete walls and a roof at the Vineyard Transitional Center.

We were happy to find out all of the Angel Tree requests were taken - and filled - weeks ahead of the Salvation Army's deadline.

They asked all of us to donate canned goods and non-perishable food at the Clay County Agricultural Fair for the Clothes Closet and Food Pantry, and with Winn-Dixie of Green Cove Springs' help, we stepped up to donate 8 tons.

We marveled at the parishioners at the First Baptist Church of Middleburg, who found a way to donate 1,100 turkeys ahead of Thanksgiving, and at the incredible people at J.P. Hall Children's Charities Christmas Party for serving 1,500 children with bags of Christmas toys and 960 bicycles, and to the incredible community that gave the Clay County Special Olympics Team $38,837.67 this year at the Clay County Sheriff's Office's two Tip-A-Cop events, beating last year's record haul by $7,66.67.

Let's hope 2026 is even better.