It's traditional for public officials like me to offer a Thanksgiving message at the end of November, but this year I would like to offer my thanks a little earlier than usual — to our community.

Recently in Salt Lake County we have seen an outpouring of generosity. Within 24 hours of sending out an e-mail to county employees, my office was flooded with coats, blankets and sweaters to aid those in Pakistan after the earthquake. Many of the donations were from individuals who were neither Salt Lake County employees nor Salt Lake County residents.

The $10 bill that was all one person could give; the two sweaters, still wet from washing, that the giver insisted we lay flat to dry so that they would make it to Pakistan in perfect condition; the two dozen handmade quilts intended as Christmas presents for grandkids this year, each lovingly residing in a box with each child's name. These are just a few of the stories behind the hundreds of donations we received from the community. Thank you. Of particular note are Noor Ul-hasan, who spearheaded the effort and is an appointed board member of our Council of Diversity Affairs, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Islamic Relief Society. They have my sincere appreciation for their generosity and responsiveness.

This experience has reminded me how limitless our influence is when we share our energy and love.

As we approach Thanksgiving, I hope that we can also find room to remember our families, friends and neighbors who are far from home serving our country. I recommend that citizens, whatever their political persuasions, write notes of encouragement or send gifts through organizations like Operation We Love Our Soldiers at www.sendyoursupport.org.

Let us also be a little more mindful of those within our community who might be struggling. The truth is that at one point or another, we all fall on tough times. It is up to us to lend a hand to one another. In county government, we try to help people meet their challenges — and as individuals, I believe we should do the same.

Our community's strength lies only partially in the halls of its government; the rest is found in the hearts of our people and in the halls of our homes.

This year, my Thanksgiving answer is simple: I am thankful for the wonderful people in Utah. For their goodness, for their strength, and for the quiet ways they lead us to the very best in life.

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Peter Corroon is the mayor of Salt Lake County