On the off chance you haven't noticed yet, here's one basic truth about our community: Folks here are generous, giving people. Sure, we all have our disagreements now and then, but when it comes to giving time and money to help out the community, it's hard to imagine that many people do any more than our neighbors here.

Want proof? Start with our civic clubs. For a small town the size of Sanford, we have an unusually-large number of active groups. Lions. Kiwanis. Jaycees. Rotary. Ruritans. The list goes on, and all of them are making important contributions to civic life. Take the Lions, for example. Not only do they stage the award-winning Lee Regional Fair, one of the most outstanding events of its kind anywhere, but they also collect eyeglasses for needy children and contribute in many other ways to help the visually impaired.

Then, there are scores of church ministries and social service groups, each using its own expertise and manpower to care for some specific need. Volunteers are working all over Lee County at this very moment to help people find affordable housing. Resolve disputes. Receive emergency food. Pay educational expenses. Recover from disasters. Escape domestic violence. Get medical care. Overcome disabilities. Honestly, it would take a long time to go through the entire list, and even lifelong residents probably know only a small fraction of what's available.

And there's the real challenge. If you need help — or know someone who does — how can you sort through it all and figure out where to turn?

Problem solved!

Since opening early this year, Lee County 211 has been taking calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and placing people who need help in contact with those who provide it. All you need to do is pick up a phone and dial 2-1-1. The service is free, confidential and available in both English and Spanish.

Is it working? Beautifully, so far. According to 211 officials, the most daunting challenge has been getting the word out, so dialing 211 for referrals becomes just as natural as dialing 911 for emergencies or 411 for directory assistance. Back when the lines first opened, about 20 people called each month. That number has nearly tripled and continues to grow steadily.

Statewide, about 60,000 people used 211 last year to find help, and stories coming back from local groups suggest many people wouldn't have found the help they needed in time if it hadn't been for the referral service.

Neighbors in our area have always taken care of each other, and that's long been one of our strengths. Now, getting help to those who need it — whatever that need may be — has become a whole lot easier.

Lee County 211 is funded by corporate sponsors and coordinated by the United Way of Lee County. For more information, visit LeeCountyUnitedWay.org/211.htm.