We don’t say ‘thank you’ often enough

Christmas is a time to say “thank you.”

So we will.

Thank you to all the volunteers who make things happen with little expectation of anything. They clean up our beaches, they walk dogs, they help in classrooms, they organize community events and they protect marine life.

Thank you to all who hold fundraisers for nonprofits. And thank you to all who attend those fundraisers.

Thank you to the Rotary clubs on Kauai, who perform endless services that benefit our schools, our communities, our health and our pocketbooks.

Thank you to all The Garden Island paper carriers who rise in the early morning hour to get the newspaper to the doors of their their customers. Delivering newspapers is a time-honored service and our carriers take great pride in what they do. If you get a chance, thank them.

Thank you to kupuna who lend their wisdom to our youth. You are patient, kind and dedicated. We need more people like you.

Thank you to all the organizers behind Kauai’s many fun runs. For all the time it takes, you probably don’t make much money, but you sure make a difference in the fitness factor on this island.

Thanks to anyone who pays a compliment to someone, who points out the positive. Just says, good job. Congratulations. Well done. Hey, I appreciate your efforts.

Thank you to all who know keep the culture and tradition and history of Kauai alive and well and are patient with those who don’t know it or understand it.

Thanks to parents, aunties and uncles, who take time to explain things to keiki, to pass on wisdom.

Thanks to teachers, who aren’t paid nearly enough for the importance of what they do, yet they sign on anyway because they know the significance education makes in young lives.

Thanks to Kauai’s fishermen, who take on a demanding livelihood for their families.

Thanks to our police and fire departments, who keep us safe.

Thanks to Junior Achievement and all its volunteer who take lessons of financial literacy and career planning and entrepreneur- ship into schools. Under the leadership of Ivory Kealani Lloyd, JA is growing on Kauai. It’s a valuable message that could help point lives in the right direction.

We all have much to be thankful for. Whether it’s friends and family, health, watching a sunset or just going for a walk on the beach with our dogs, life is as good as we make it — if we can focus on the good. And there is much good.

A few TGI staffers offer what they’re thankful for this Christmas:

Alden Alayvilla — I am thankful for my family, friends, and also for the opportunity to help the Kauai community through the services of our newspaper. I am also thankful to the countless number of community and county government members who assisted and continue to assist The Garden Island with their news tips, letters, assistance and interviews. Their services are oftentimes overlooked, but are crucial to our mission to serve our readers.

Jessica Else — I am grateful for a strong body that allows me to experience the hiking, swimming and other adventures I find on Kauai. I’m thankful for a strong support system, both on the island and on the Mainland, and I’m amazed at every opportunity I find to connect with our community. I’m looking forward to new adventures, new friends, and deepening the relationships I already have with the aina and her people.

And last, we hear from TGI’s icon and one of Kauai’s Living Treasures. His answer of what he is thankful for is no surprise.

Dennis Fujimoto — Being able to work and enjoy life on Kauai.