There are a lot of good things about living in a small town or community. Generally, everybody knows everybody else, and a lot about everybody else.

Sometimes, that is not a good thing, but for the most part, it is. When someone needs help, friends, neighbors and fellow church-goers all know about the need very soon after it arises — and they do something about it.

Case in point: Megan Eatmon. Megan has Dandy-Walker Syndrome, which affects the development of her brain. She may also have Rett Syndrome, which is a similar brain disorder.

Megan is 5 years old and will have to go to Chicago to be treated as part of a study at the University of Chicago. While taking part in the study will be covered by a grant, there are a lot of other costs involved, like hotels, meals and so forth.

The Eatmons’ friends got together, and Marengo County artist Tina Rivas used her talents to produce an artwork, “Eye of the Beholder,” to be auctioned on Oct. 2, with proceeds going to help her family with the trip to Chicago.

I’m telling you all of this because we are all a part of that “small-town network” that steps in to help others in need when we can. If you want to help, you can make a donation to the First Bank of Linden on Coats Avenue in Linden, or you can mail in a donation to: First Bank of Linden, P.O. Box 481119, Linden, AL 36748.

You don’t have to make a substantial donation to make your donation substantial. Think about if everyone in your Sunday school class gave $5 each, or if the people in your workplace each chipped in $6.50 or whatever they had to give. Each little bit adds up.

The opportunities to help in a small community are always there. Take advantage of some of these opportunities and make yourself a true citizen.