Thank an unseen friend

Your newspaper carrier is one of the best friends you never met.

This dedicated force that labors during the darkest hours of the night, in many cases never seen by their customers, represents some of the hardest workers you'll ever find. Some are young parents starting a family. Some are retirees wishing to supplement their Social Security. Many are adults who have another full-time job but need the income to make ends meet or to meet an important need, like college tuition for a child or the ability to pay large medical bills.

All are dedicated beyond the bounds of normalcy. Every single night, 365 days a year, they're responsible for delivering a product that thousands of households depend upon. And while they're making their nightly rounds, they're essentially on neighborhood watch patrols. Even when they aren't reporting to police suspicious activity, their very presence driving through virtually every neighborhood in Kootenai County is a deterrent to any who may wish harm to people or property.

In this season of giving, we ask you to consider a generous tip for your newspaper carrier. Tips comprise an essential part of their income, and they're deeply appreciative of whatever you can afford to give them for their excellent service. With gas prices so high in the recession's aftermath, tips are even more gratefully received than normal.

If you don't know who your carrier is or the best way to tip her or him, call The Press circulation department at 664-0220. We applaud one of the finest newspaper carrier forces in the entire nation, and we hope you do, too.