INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. — The residents of our Tahoe community never cease to amaze me. Not only do we live in a very special place but it is filled with people who care. No matter what the need, someone steps up to help. Thanks Tahoe!

Throughout 2009 we had events, fundraisers and people in need. It seemed to never end but each time someone was able to lend the support needed.

When someone suffered because of an accident or illness, the Tahoe community was there to help. Fundraisers such as the Star Follies, Golf fore Education and many local school fundraisers found that Tahoe residents cared. So did the Tahoe Children's Foundation and Sierra Nevada College. When Red White and Tahoe Blue asked for help, it was almost unbelievable to see the response.

But it is not only with monetary donations that Tahoe residents respond. A call for volunteers, toys or food will receive the same response. Tahoe residents do whatever it takes to help others.

Project MANA put out calls for help to provide turkeys and food at Thanksgiving and was rewarded with enough to feed everyone. Local churches held food and clothing drives and the entire community responded.

Home bound seniors received home-cooked holiday meals, families received wish list gifts, children received warm coats and toys. The list just goes on and on, all because the Tahoe community cares and helps every time.

It is this caring and sharing that makes the North Shore such a special place to live. Thanks one and all!

— Jean Eick is community editor for the North Lake Tahoe Bonanza. She can be reached for comment at jeick@tahoebonanza.com.