Community Helpers: People Who Work

Who drives the big red fire truck with the loud, loud siren? Woo-woo-woo. Who helps you feel all better with a gentle hand when you have a tummy ache? Who grows the yummy red strawberries for your snack that taste so sweet? I am the special idea that helps all of these people work together. I help them take care of you and your whole neighborhood. I am in every town and every city, making sure things are safe and happy for everyone. I help people help each other.

Are you ready to know my name? I am the idea of Community Helpers. I have been around for a very, very, very long time. Thousands of years ago, way back around 10,000 BCE, people first started living in villages together. They knew right away that they needed me. Some people were wonderful at farming and grew lots of food from tiny seeds in the soft dirt. Other people were strong builders and made cozy, warm homes for everyone. Everyone had a special job to help the group. As towns got bigger, more helpers appeared. Happy bakers made warm bread that smelled delicious, and friendly mail carriers delivered important messages to people far away.

Today, you see community helpers everywhere you go. The librarian with a soft voice helps you find your favorite dinosaur book. Roar. The bus driver waves hello and takes you safely to school on the big yellow bus. Beep, beep. The police officer helps everyone follow the rules so we can all be safe and play together. Every job is important, and every single helper makes your community a better, happier place. And guess what? You can be a helper, too. You can help by sharing your toys with a friend, giving someone a warm hug when they are sad, or helping clean up your blocks. I am the happy feeling of everyone working together.