United Way of West Central Mississippi recognized its volunteers and donors Thursday with lunch and awards at its annual meeting.

It wasn’t enough.

This is not a criticism of United Way. When you sit back and look at the work and contributions United Way volunteers and donors provide our community, there is no way — no amount of trophies or plaques, no amount of dinners or lunches, no amount of money is available to reward what these individuals and companies in Vicksburg do each year for United Way and the 22 agencies it supports.

Whether it’s serving as a United Way officer, serving on a committee, helping with an event like the Color Run, making annual donations or volunteering time to work at one of agencies United Way supports, these people are the real heroes when it comes to making our community better.

Southerners, and especially Mississippians, noted for their generosity toward charitable and community causes, and the people who help United Way are a special breed. They don’t do it one particular season of the year, they don’t do it because they want publicity; they do it because they believe it’s the right thing to do and because they understand that giving back to the community is the best way they can show their gratitude for what they have received from living and/or growing up here.

At a time when nonprofits and other community agencies are scrambling to continue their services to help others, these are the people who drop everything when called to help. They are the ones willing to open their wallets and help provide that extra cushion that may help keep an agency going, or donate that extra hour or so to help tutor a child in math or reading or make sure a homebound person gets that hot meal they need.

They are willing to show up when an organization like Good Shepherd needs landscaping work or help working with children. They show up to work as officials or provide lunches for the Special Olympics. They have no problem giving up a weekend to help build a playground or help out at a fundraiser.

These volunteers are the real role models our children should emulate, and they are deserving of our respect and admiration. They are truly a wonderful gift for this community, and we should be thankful everyday they are among us and willing to help.

If you know of someone who volunteers, not only for United Way but for any nonprofit organization, walk up and shake their hand or pat them on the back. There may come a time when you may need them to help you.