The final countdown has begun and Santa Claus is on his way.

But before he arrives, let’s take a few minutes to review the good news our community created without any help from Santa.

4 Monterey High School student Alex Thomas is the 12th-grade student of the year for Concordia Parish. Thomas maintains a perfect GPA, but also has fun supporting her school as the mascot at sporting events. Thomas has a bright future ahead for sure.

4 The Concordia Parish Airport has received funding for the addition of a new hangar. Growth at the airport is good for the parish, and area flight enthusiasts are lucky to have the facility.

4 A roadblock in Vidalia raised more than $7,000 for Feed the Hungry Friday. It’s amazing what small change and a few bills can do. Please remember to continue to donate to area non-profits in the coming weeks. Christmas depletes many reserves.

4 Local law enforcement personnel headed out with area children Saturday morning for the annual Santa Cop program. Officers took needy children for breakfast at McDonald’s, a shopping trip to Walmart and to lunch. What a great way to teach children that officers are here to help.

As we count down these final days until Christmas, there will be plenty of opportunities to make a difference in the community. We know the Miss-Lou won’t let an opportunity to help pass it by.