Oftentimes when you turn on the television or go online these days, there's no shortage of bad news waiting to greet you. The COVID-19 Pandemic has dramatically altered our lives and routines, huge numbers of people have lost their jobs and are out of work while social unrest continues in many cities.

But even where most people see danger and uncertainty, we can see hope and inspiration.

We can see hope in the large number of volunteers who turned out with Sullivan Renaissance to help clean up part of Broadway last week. Following public health recommendations and restrictions on large gatherings, Sullivan Renaissance was forced to cancel or postpone several of their annual events, but their volunteers and partners have still been involved with this season's projects. People from around Sullivan County last week joined together to do something positive and constructive.

We see hope in the work of Martin Colavito and the Community Hub Program of Monticello. Partnering with Sullivan Allies Leading Together (SALT), Cornell Cooperative Extension and several school districts throughout the county, Colavito, along with SALT Program Manager Thomas Bosket saw a need when the state began its stay-at-home order and residents no longer were able to pick up meals at the St. John Street School Community Hub. Colavito and Bosket wanted to deliver those meals instead and began to visit senior citizens, veterans, and anyone who needed a meal.

They're not the only ones who have been delivering meals during the pandemic. We see hope in the Single Bite program started by Foster Supply Hospitality Co-Founders Kirsten & Sims Foster, as well as Operation Feed sponsored by local rotary clubs and other area partners. Since Operation Feed Phase 2 began on May 22, over 70 volunteers from the participating organizations have delivered close to 6,000 meals. They continue to provide meals throughout the county with the support of numerous school personnel, community partners and individuals.

Late last month, Operation Feed donated over $17,000 to benefit A Single Bite - a nonprofit program founded by the Fosters to encourage healthier eating habits in schools, although they've shifted their focus during the pandemic from a school-based educational program to a philanthropic food production operation. They've helped prepare meals for food insecure families in Sullivan County and even source some of their food from local farms where possible.

When bad things happen around the world that are entirely outside our control, we shouldn't feel discouraged but turn that energy to our local community and try and do something positive.

It's encouraging what we can accomplish together when we become the change we want to see.