Sometimes the staff here at The Beachcomber notices that an issue of the paper has an unplanned, underlying theme, with stories that all revolve around a common thread: ferries, nature, community, etc. That happened this week, as this issue contains multiple stories about how the island gives back and helps others — fitting for the holiday season.

From taking a senior to lunch, to helping schoolchildren and their families pay off lunch accounts, to singing Christmas songs or covering them on piano for benefit events, the holiday season on Vashon seems to bring out the best in this community with unexpected and entertaining events.

Most recently, islanders donated hundreds of toys and cash to John L. Scott’s annual toy drive. A total of 197 children who could have been facing a holiday with no gifts, will now have something waiting for them on Christmas morning. Also last weekend, Snapdragon’s Piano Showcase saw a full house and more holiday donations for island children.

Coming up, the Red Bike’s annual “Will Sing for Vashon” will bring dozens of island singers take to the stage all in the name of raising money for the wide variety of nonprofits that serve the island community. And a revived fundraiser spearheaded by islanders this year, will bolster an existing account at the Vashon Island School District for those who need help paying off school meal accounts. Islanders are encouraged to donate and help pay for these accounts.

Lastly, continuing beyond the holiday season, a new program instituted by 94-year-old islander Dorothy Bauer calls on the community to remember island seniors and take them out for lunch to talk, eat and socialize.

The opportunities for community engagement here are not only wide-ranging, but accessible. From going to a music show, to stopping by one of the island’s schools or adding a person to your lunch plans, the programs and events add enjoyable ways many of us can get involved and support the community.

So this weekend, this month and this year, take a few minutes, or hours, to attend an island fundraiser that will offer Vashon’s own brand of entertainment all for a good cause.