VOLUNTEERS BY THE THOUSANDS HELP TO MAKE AMERICA GREAT

uExpress, July, 2008 by Abigail Van Buren

DEAR ABBY: On April 11 you asked what your readers think is right with American society. I'll bet you were inundated with responses to that question, and I hope you allow me to be one of those who answer it.

Here in Orange County, Calif., there are more than 5,000 volunteer organizations, supporting everything from the arts to zoos. Thousands of people give their time and money to help others and provide benefits to their community. And this is just one American county. If we counted the number of active volunteers in America doing good works, I'm sure the number would be in the millions. That is just one of the things that we're doing "right."

DIANE J., LAGUNA NIGUEL, CALIF.

DEAR DIANE: Your hunch was on the money. I was swamped with letters and e-mails...