Even individuals who have seen firsthand the tremendous work done by the City Welfare Mission in Ironton are shocked by what the organization is able to continually accomplish.

Year after year, even as the need continues to grow, the mission finds a way to rise to the challenge and help those who are less fortunate.

Now that the agency has fully analyzed 2012, the raw statistics are both impressive in terms of what can be done and also heartbreaking because so many people are in need.

More than 5,800 families benefited from the various offerings that include clothes and food giveaways. And 3,000 homeless people had a roof over their heads at least for a little while.

More than 1,500 children had a brighter Christmas thanks to the mission and another 750 families had food to put on the table during the holiday.

This sustained success is, in large part, due to the vision and strong leadership of, first, the Rev. Jim Cremeans and now his son, the Rev. Jeff Cremeans. Those men and their families, as well as all the other volunteers, really make this happen.

The support group includes dozens of businesses, civic groups and community organizations that share the vision of helping those in need.

Hopefully everyone can stop and take a moment to reflect on just how important the mission is and all the good they do.