How easy it is to take things for granted.

Food on my table. A roof over my head. Shoes on my feet.

All things, that in a perfect world, we should be able to take for granted.

While I’m thankful I’ve never had to personally experience these worries, I’ve come to realize and appreciate over the years that life can change on a dime.

And for many people, a strong support network — family, friends or the community — can make an immense difference.

A reminder of this came recently when I wrote a story on Western Branch Philanthropy, a group of citizens who bonded on Facebook and are taking steps to help people in need in their community.

They reached out to help a North Suffolk panhandler suffering from cancer. Where many were skeptical, they reached out anyway.

They helped him find a place to live and are helping him pay for medication and weekly chemotherapy infusion treatments.

They had a baby shower for a pregnant woman whose husband had abandoned her weeks before their child was due.

The group has come together to help dozens of families with different needs. Rent payments, food to stock the fridge, electric bill or medications.

The group has amassed two donated storage units full of furniture, clothing and televisions available for donation when needs arise.

I loved doing this story because it was a reminder that people are inherently good and want to help their neighbors.