Editorial: Local volunteers show how we move from despair to action

The headlines have been brutal.

An unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. Renewed threats of nuclear warfare. A climate change report painting a disturbing picture of our planet in peril.

We've watched it all unfold this past week with a mixture of sadness and horror.

But a pair of far more local, and infinitely more uplifting, stories in recent days remind us what hope - and a helping hand - can do to make the darkest of situations a little bit brighter.

Over the weekend, staff writer Mick Zawislak shared the inspiring story of Sue Gandhi, who runs a pantry out of her Vernon Hills garage for those in need. There, she stocks food and household supplies, helping as many as 200 families through difficult times.

"We have a moral obligation to help our fellow man no matter who they might be," Gandhi said.

On Monday, writer Alicia Fabbre chronicled another suburbanite with a big heart - this one just 8 years old.

Leo Bonilla, an Algonquin second-grader, started collecting change after seeing footage of people waiting in line for food. He saved $22, which tripled with matching donations from his parents. Other relatives offered to match as well. The effort grew from there as Leo and his mother created a video asking people to support the D300 Food Pantry.

Leo raised more than $3,300 in just two years. And he was honored recently with the D300 Food Pantry Hunger Hero Award.

Coming to the aid of embattled Ukrainians and improving the plight of our planet are more daunting tasks than filling the shelves of a local pantry. But they begin the same way - with a desire to help, a commitment to change and an emphasis on doing right by the world instead of giving in to despair.

On Tuesday, staff writer Elena Ferrarin shared a list of agencies collecting money and supplies for defense efforts, refugee assistance and medical aid for Ukraine. Donating is a way to help from afar.

In the battle against climate change, we must fully commit to staving off further environment damage. We do that as individuals by reducing our carbon footprints. And we do that as a society by choosing leaders and funding projects that meet the challenge head-on.

Climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe of The Nature Conservancy cited the need for realism, action and hope in an Associated Press story.

"It's really bad and there's a good chance that it will get worse," Hayhoe said. "But if we do everything we can, that will make a difference. ... That's what hope is."