Because of the high cost of food and fuel, the effects of government program cutbacks and the government shutdown, this is an especially difficult time for many of our Rice County neighbors.  We can no longer afford to wring our hands and worry about each other.  It is time to stop worrying and take decisive action by helping others. This community spirit and generosity is what makes Minnesota and Rice County a special place.  Right now, over a quarter of Rice County households have incomes over the federal poverty level but are still struggling to afford basic necessities.   We have a strong history of helping each other when times are difficult, and times are indeed difficult for many.

Let’s reflect on our history and how people helped each other during the great depression in the 1930s.  During that time millions of Americans faced extreme hardship. Jobs disappeared, families lost their homes, and hunger was widespread. Yet, despite the difficult times, people found many ways to help one another and keep their communities strong.

Neighbors often shared what little they had. Families cooked together, exchanged food, and opened their homes to friends or relatives who had nowhere else to go. Soup kitchens, run by churches and charities, provided free meals to the hungry. In cities and towns across Minnesota, people learned that survival depended on generosity and cooperation.

In farming communities like Rice County, cooperation was especially important. Farmers shared tools, seeds, and labor during planting and harvest seasons, helping everyone stay afloat.

Churches, schools, and local organizations also played a key role. They collected donations, handed out clothing, and organized relief programs.

Even in the darkest times our grandparents and great-grandparents found strength through kindness and connection. They gathered for social events, music, and storytelling to lift their spirits and remind one another that they were not alone. The Great Depression was a time of struggle, but it also showed the power of compassion and community in helping people endure hardship together.

If our great-grandparents were able to help each other in this way, so can we.  One very effective thing we can do today is to pick a local charity or two and set up autopay.  The dollar amount can be large or small, but the important thing is to stop worrying and do something today that matters for those in need.

For those community members who have been helping Ruth’s House through gifts and donations, we thank you for your kindness.

Let’s all take inspiration from our history and from our neighbors who have been helping out and let’s get out there and take action.

Sue Stout

Outreach Coordinator

Ruth’s House/Sarah’s House