True acts of charity often go uncelebrated. I’d like to think that’s because they’re so common. In an age where “compassion” is just another puffed-up political mandate on the taxpayer’s dime, innate human goodness quietly uplifts lives and sustains communities. Goodwill isn’t remarkable for its rarity, but because it is so common — a fact we need reminding of in these cynical times.

I’ve been reminded by recent fundraising efforts on behalf of two Tooele residents. Candice Heaps and Kendall McBride have both endured life-changing afflictions. Both have relatively young families who’ve shared in their burden. But the stories of Heaps and McBride are in no way associated. What their unique cases have in common is the outpouring of regular citizens who have galvanized into charitable action.

Heaps, a wife and a mother of six, contracted an aggressive strain of cancer at the age of 34. She was immediately started on chemotherapy, and informed that surgery would be necessary to reinforce her hip and femur bones weakened by the cancer.

Friends and neighbors mobilized in lightening fashion. When she lost her hair to the chemotherapy treatments, fellow church members shaved their own heads to raise money for a quality wig. A website was created to encourage donations and organize volunteers for an upcoming fundraiser. Family, friends and neighbors are organizing an August “Kickin’ Cancer’s Can” day, with activities and a 5K run. Proceeds will go to the Heap family’s mounting medical bills and to help pay for upcoming radiation treatments.

The community has likewise come together on behalf of Kendell McBride, whose lungs are ravaged by cystic fibrosis. McBride’s life has already extended beyond what many expected. He received renewed cause to keep up the fight when his wife gave birth to their first son, now four years old.

People of good will are scrambling to raise $35,000 for the double lung transplant McBride needs to stay alive. Two fundraisers have already been held. On July 17, the community hosted a “Kendell McBride Breathe Easy” party, with games, food and various activities. Both friends and strangers donated baked goods for sale after the Tooele parade on July 24. Six more events are still planned through the end of September — all made possible by the donated time and means of local business sponsors and dedicated volunteers.

These examples may not seem remarkable, but there’s something profound in the way a community can mobilize to the aid of others without government mandate or the thought of reward. No one has been compelled to donate or volunteer. Endless committees haven’t been formed to regulate the process, and no special interests were consulted. People simply perceived a human need and acted accordingly. In two separate instances that span less than a town, human nature is on display at its cohesive best.

Of course, there’s still plenty of work to do in the cases cited, and in our communities in general. Loss and suffering aren’t in short supply, and there’s plenty of violence and selfishness to fill headlines. But it doesn’t take long to gain proper perspective if we take the time to look. Examples of charity and human kindness are everywhere, even if they aren’t usually met with fanfare. The best way to discover that truth for ourselves is by getting involved.

Matt Rowley is a teacher at Copper Canyon Elementary who lives in Tooele. He can be reached at matrowl@yahoo.com.