We were all tested in 2020 , and we came through . For that , we all deserve recognition and a high five … whenever high fives are okay again . For this installment of Community Digest , we want to highlight our neighbors who have been serving on the front lines on our behalf during these challenging times . Their ongoing dedication to serving the rest of us is a big reason why the South County is great .

We are grateful to the front-line care givers at Saint Louis Regional Hospital , DePaul Urgent Care , Gardner Health , Valley Medical ’ s South County Annex , Kaiser Permanente . Without fanfare and little recognition , they continue to provide urgent , critical and ongoing care for the residents of South County – as they have done since the first days of the pandemic . Putting their own health on the line to help others and save lives , they have missed meals and gone without sleep or breaks for self-care . Yet , they continue to serve — out of the limelight , in the dark hours of night and on sun-filled days when to do anything else would be better . Adapting to new protocols , they are guiding patients and loved ones through the “ new normal ” with kindness , compassion and grace . They continue to find reasons to smile and laugh with those in their care to help ease anxieties and suffering . They are giving their all for the rest of us . We thank them !

Unable to hold fundraisers or events to raise awareness and funds , most local non-profits have experienced their leanest year on record . Some have been able to host virtual fundraisers , others have managed online donation drives . All have felt the impact of COVID-19 . Still , our local nonprofits have continued to do what they do best — find ways to help the residents of South County . Our non-profits have tirelessly provided food , clothing , emergency financial assistance , counseling and mental health services , toy drives for the holidays and much , much more . In good times we may never notice their hard work , nor the results of their efforts . However , since the Spring of 2020 , these non-profits , their staff and volunteers have stepped up even more to fill the gaps in our communities and provide critical resources . Check our website for a list of local non-profits and see great work they do . If able , please support them !

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GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN WINTER 2021 gmhtoday . com