To the Editor:

In celebration of National Make a Difference Day, Oct. 24, I am reminded of what Marjorie Moore said, “Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the community you want to live in.” The level of civic engagement and compassion of volunteers is profound in all communities.

On behalf of the Village of Canton, we extend our gratitude to past and present members of the volunteer committees, boards, and community groups. We salute businesses and community, government, education, and religious organizations that provide human services and activities that make significant impacts on individual lives, and on our communities as a whole.

It is the focus on the people, truly caring for one another, serving others with dignity and respect, that makes our communities the special places they are. It is the unconditional, nonjudgmental, extension of support that makes a difference. In the end, we are all in this world of humanity together.

Maya Angelou said “People will forget what you said; people will forget what you did; but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Thanks to all who make Canton feel so wonderful.

Mary Ann Ashley

Canton mayor