Remarkable things can happen when people come together for a common cause. We say it often on these pages, but never often enough to convey the spirit of a community that always finds a way to come through when the call goes out to help others.

Just look around at all the good things that happen right here in Sampson County on any given month. Whether’s it’s supporting any number of projects that involve children; cancer awareness and prevention efforts; mission projects and trips; benefits for the sick or less fortunate; or merely placing a sign of support in your yard or lifting a quiet prayer, somehow, no matter the economy or the cause, Sampsonians show their true spirit.

That is no more apparent than with success year after year of the Clinton-Sampson Chamber of Commerce’s annual Coat Closet. That project has certainly seen the generosity of a community that has, over the course of the last seven years, amassed thousands of coats to help bring warmth to children and adults who would, otherwise, be without during the coldest months of the year.

Many in our community struggle each year, particularly when cold weather begins to creep in, and money simply won’t be there for some of the things many of us simply take for granted — like a warm coat. For many, coats are simply a luxury they cannot afford, not for their children and not for themselves.

That’s why the Chamber’s Coat Closet, the largest project the organization does each year, is so important, and why we implore those who can to help again this year. The Coat Closet project kicked off last week, with collection continuing through Nov. ss.

We know the kind hearts of Sampson County’s people, evidenced year after year, project after project, and we hope those hearts will continue to be open to share gently used coats hanging in their closets with those who will need them to stay warm later this year and into the bitter cold months of January and February.

If coats aren’t readily available, the Coat Closet committee will take monetary donations that will be used toward their purchase. It doesn’t matter how a person chooses to give, only that they give what they can, when they can.

There truly is no greater gift on earth than that of sharing with others, ensuring, in this case, warmth where it may not have existed.

Chamber members are to be applauded for continuing such a benevolent project, and all those who are helping to make it year seven the largest success ever should be thanked time and again for their unwavering support.

Wrapping the less fortunate in love and warmth this holiday season should touch the hearts of all those who plan to help in some way, touching their lives in unique and special ways that only come from sharing love with others.

Donating coats is a way of clothing others with love, letting them know that they aren’t forgotten no matter the season and no matter the need.

Sampson County residents do that better than any others, and we are grateful they do.

Chamber’s Coat Closet continues to benefit many