We’ve long boasted that Acorn readers are some of the most generous in the world.

While it may sound like we’re just playing to the home crowd, we have the proof to back up our claim.

When stories appear in our weekly paper featuring folks with genuine needs—either because they’ve fallen on hard times or have been struck by tragedy—Acorn readers don’t tend to lose interest after they’ve turned the page. They take action. They find solutions. And we know because we get emails and phone calls all the time telling us they do.

A recent voluntary subscription drive launched by the five Acorn newspapers tapped into this feeling of goodwill and arranged to have a portion of the proceeds sent to various causes.

Each of the Acorn newspapers from Camarillo to Calabasas was tasked with choosing a cause that could tie into the subscription drive—an effort by the paper that would also defray the escalating cost of printing and delivery and maintain the high quality of its local news coverage.

Ten dollars (or 40 percent of each $25 subscription) was to be given to a different charity in the communities we serve. And after all the checks were counted, more than $15,600 was raised for five worthy causes.

Simi Valley readers raised $3,116 toward the cost of the Metrolink Community Memorial, a cause sorely in need of— and deserving of—public support. While there’s much more to be raised to cover the memorial’s total cost (see related story on page 1), our readers’ willingness to give this much considering the current state of the economy says a lot about their generosity.

So to all those who took the time to fill out our form and send in a check, we thank you. Your support not only reminds us that you appreciate the work we’re doing, but motivates us to do even more for the good of the community.

Old-fashioned goodwill and charity is alive and well in our windy valley. Let’s always be diligent to keep it that way.