Stories of hope shine all around us

With a bad economy, political bickering in our nation’s capital and daily news coverage of raucous protests here at home, it may seem harder to get into the Christmas spirit this year.

But if you look closely, you will see countless examples of generosity, courage and hope.

Just a few weeks ago, more than 18,000 motorcycles rumbled down I-5 for the 33rd Annual Olympia Toy Run. A tougher band of softies was hard to find, as the state’s capitol filled with leather-clad motorcyclists carrying toys and stuffed animals for children in need.

Event coordinator Joe Sullivan told The Olympian the run b...