GALT, CA (MPG) - Are you familiar with the old Jackie DeShannon song “Put a Little Love in Your Heart”? It may be considered an oldie, but its message is spot-on for today’s world and for the character trait of caring and compassion.

In 2007, residents of Galt answered a questionnaire about the importance of standing up for good character throughout the community, in schools, in city government, faith-based groups, businesses and families. The Galt community selected caring and compassion as one of six character traits of focus to be promoted each year. Since then, the nonprofit Galt Community of Character Coalition has been reinforcing these six character traits, honoring role models of positive character and bringing stories about how individuals and groups in our community have made a positive impact.

Each November and December, the focus becomes caring and compassion. This year, it seems more important than ever to reflect on this character trait and reignite that love in our hearts for our fellow community members.

As the song says, “Take a good look around / And if you’re feeling down, / Put a little love in your heart. / I hope when you decide / Kindness will be your guide / Put a little love in your heart. / Think of your fellow man / Lend him a helping hand / Put a little love in your heart.”

What are you doing this month to “put a little love in your heart” and demonstrate caring and compassion in our community? To truly live this value, we, as individuals, can guide our everyday actions as we interact with others. Do we treat people with generosity and kindness? Are we responsive to the needs and concerns of others? Do we give of ourselves for the benefit of others? Do we follow the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have done unto you”? Clearly, we become caring people by doing caring things. 

Perhaps you know someone or an organization in our area that can be seen as a role model of caring and compassion. Or maybe you know someone whose actions have made a huge impact in the lives of others in our community. The Galt Community of Character Coalition is looking for those individuals or groups who clearly demonstrate the caring and compassion value in our community.

Our community is a better place because of the many individuals and groups who continuously put the needs of others ahead of their own needs. If you know someone who is deserving of this honor, you can nominate that individual, group or organization for the 2024 Galt Caring and Compassion Award in the following way:

Submit your nomination form printed in the Galt Herald, and mail to GCCC, P.O. Box 92, Galt, CA 95632. Or email your nomination to the Nominations Committee: [email protected]. Be sure to include the name, address, phone number and email address of your nominee. 

Write a brief explanation of what this person or group has done that demonstrates caring and compassion.

Deadline to submit nominations: Dec. 31, 2024.

The Galt Community of Character Coalition is always looking for others to come and get involved. Please come. Our next meeting is Monday, Jan. 13 at 5 p.m. 

We meet at L’Chayim Women’s Center at 400 Fourth St., Suite 160. Happy Holidays!