I love this article in the Modesto Bee. Seems that event though our friends in California have it even worse than we Utahns, they too are optimistic about the future.

The Modesto, Calif., Bee writes how nonprofits that "feed, clothe and shelter people and counsel them when they are in crisis have laid off staff, not filled vacant positions, relied more on volunteers, and reduced hours and services to make ends meet." Yet the people in these jobs are happy and optimistic. "But as much pain as the recession has inflicted across the region, nonprofit leaders say there are some bright spots. Many say they have been overwhelmed by the generosity of people who give what they can despite their own hardships."

I found this particualrly striking: The Salvation Army reports that "former donors make up 5 percent to 10 percent of the people seeking help."