Violence, wars, political bickering, legal wrangling, natural disasters, diseases, crime … the list of negative, soul-draining news topics often seems endless.

But does it have to be?

I grew up watching the classic children’s television show, Mister Rodger’s Neighborhood, starring Fred Rogers. While I don’t specifically remember hearing him say the words, I think his approach to the fear and anxiety that comes with seeing such difficult things is spot on.

He said: “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'”

I don’t know if we do that enough.

I think of some of the big recent news stories in Utah Valley and across the state, including the recent wildfires and mudslides as well as the tragic shooting in Tremonton.

In each case, in addition to the tragedy and devastation, there have also been so many who have been helpers.

Some have that duty as part of their jobs, like the heroism of Box Elder County Sheriff Deputy Mike Allred. Despite being wounded in the Tremonton shooting, he continued to protect fellow officers by directing them where to go to prevent them from being in the line of fire.

While perhaps not as individually recognized, all of the firefighters who have responded and battled to protect homes from wildfires (as well as in other residential fires) have also fulfilled their duties with distinction.

But it’s not just first responders who make a difference by helping in difficult times. When a mudslide damaged a building owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Provo on Wednesday, hundreds showed up that night and on Thursday to help with the cleanup efforts.

These, of course, are high-profile examples — but they definitely aren’t the only ones.

I see helpers every day, doing little things to make things better for others.

Sometimes it’s as simple as holding the door for someone else or stepping in to pick up something that was dropped.

Recently I was walking toward the exit of a local Costco store and managed to dislodge my wallet from my pocket. No sooner had it hit the ground than at least four different people said something to make sure I retrieved it.

I don’t know any of their names or their stories, but I’m grateful for their quick response and willingness to aid a stranger.

These are the helpers, those who are doing good things in Utah Valley.

And it’s time we had a regular place to highlight them.

During the coming weeks, the Daily Herald will have a weekly feature called “Spotlighting the Good Things” to showcase those who are making a difference.

And I want your help.

Look for those in your community who are having a positive impact, big or small. It can be individuals, businesses, organizations, cities, schools, anyone.

When you see them, take a moment to send me a quick email (jlloyd@heraldextra.com). Put “The Good Things” in the subject and then write a a few sentences about whoever deserves to be recognized (submissions can also be sent by mail).

I hope there are so many positive experiences to highlight that it takes up a full page or has to run in the paper multiple times a week.

I hope these small anecdotes and stories remind us just how much good there is in our cities, our state, our country and our world.

Most of all, I hope reading about the good things others are doing inspires us to do a little more good in our lives as well.

It’s important to look for the helpers — but it’s more important to BE the helpers.

Jared Lloyd is the managing editor of the Daily Herald.