While there have been no reports of it Northeast Michigan, we’ve been extremely discouraged by the photos, videos, and stories popping up in the media of grocery store fights over toilet paper and other such nonsense.

By all accounts, the supply chain for our grocers remains strong, and, even amid a shelter-in-place order, grocery stores, pharmacies, and gas stations remain open so residents can get the food and supplies they need.

Banks remain open, if only for drive-thru service, so checks can still be cashed and business can still be done.

In short, there’s no need to rush to aisles and hoard toilet paper. Therefore, there’s no need to come to fisticuffs over it.

In times like these, kindness is more important than ever. While the economy falters, kindness is the currency that will keep the world turning.

That, too, has happened the world over, and we’ve seen reports of that in Northeast Michigan.

All over the globe, neighbors are helping neighbors, impromptu bingo games and concerts are played distantly from apartment balconies, youngsters keep their grandparents’ cupboards full, and more.

That is what we need to see, and we know that is what Northeast Michigan will step up to provide.

(THE ALPENA NEWS)