The last few days have given Worthington -- not to mention other southwest Minnesota communities -- reason to be proud.
On Saturday, the Nobles County Integration Collaborative was host to a welcome event for Worthington's newest residents, refugees from the country of Burma. Several agencies were on hand to greet and provide a variety of information to the refugees -- who were recruited to the city by JBS Swift & Co. -- and members of the Worthington community came out and showed their support for their new neighbors.
Then, on Monday, Worthington's American Reformed Church was home to a fundraising event for Hospice Cottage Inc. that drew 420 people. Sunset Hospice Cottage, built through gifts of those in Cottonwood, Jackson and Nobles counties, was expected to raise between $18,000 and $20,000 from the evening -- money that was to go primarily to the Hospice Cottage Inc. endowment and building fund.
It is gratifying to know that large numbers of people can come together on important occasions such as these. The Burma refugees, no doubt, had to be moved by the welcome they received and the effort made on their behalf. And, in a different vein, it is pleasing to see the strong support for Hospice Cottage Inc., which allows people with terminal illnesses to live their final days with both dignity and exceptional care.
It's easy to be down on Worthington when a child's sad death dominates community discussion. Saturday and Monday, however, should move us to feel proud.
