On a wall adjacent to the front desk at the Herald office in Poulsbo hangs a large, framed placard. On that placard is written a simple, yet powerful reminder of why we do what we do and where our daily focus should lie.

“People are looking for what they can touch, what they can influence,” it reads. “People have an urgent need for community.”

Those words ring true not only in the newspaper business, but in every walk of life. Nowhere is that need – and its fulfillment – better exemplified than in the two-year effort to bring lights to the athletic fields at Kingston High School.

On June 19, 118 golfers and other supporters of the lights effort (the vast majority members of our small North Kitsap community) donated their time and money to bring the project one big step closer to completion. Sure, those of you who participated in the Swing For the Lights challenge got a round of golf on a beautiful course and some tasty barbecue as a reward for your trouble. But the fact is, you did more than was required of you. Thank you.

As it stands today, the community coffers have swelled with about $57,000 worth of Kingston lights contributions. That money has come from businesses and individuals in Kingston, Poulsbo, Suquamish and everywhere surrounding and in between. Being flexible with one’s funds has not been easy in these rigid economic times, but many of you have come through nonetheless. With additional monies coming in from the state as well as Kingston High School’s own funds, only about $3,000 more is needed to ensure the Buccaneer athletes have a home of their own this fall.

Though it may be too soon to consider the field lights feat accomplished, it is safe to say the project will be completed because of the integrity of the community that has supported the effort all along. The people of North Kitsap have shown not only their “urgent need for community,” but their commitment to make their community bonds even stronger by binding together for the causes that benefit us all.