You've heard it before, the demand for the COVID-19 vaccines far exceeds the supply. While local officials and pharmacies try and secure more doses of the vaccines for those already eligible, in the coming weeks and months, that list will only get longer.

While many people are rightfully focused on the process of getting a vaccine, these clinics are also in need of volunteers.

So if you have the time and feel comfortable doing so, please volunteer.

Sullivan County Public Health Services is building its volunteer reserve corps to assist with upcoming vaccination clinics. Info on how to sign up can be found on the county's website, and if you have any questions, feel free to contact the county's Volunteer Coordinator Linda Squires at VolunteerMRC@sullivanny.us or 845-513-2186.

The Town of Liberty has been working with the Medicine Shoppe to vaccinate senior citizens. They too are looking for volunteers. If you're interested, contact Liberty Town Supervisor Frank DeMayo or Nick Rusin at 845-292-5111.

While this county has many great attributes, by far the most notable is the people who live here.

When a friend, family member or even a complete stranger is in need of help, we answer the call.

The generosity of our community was once again on display at the 43rd Annual Heart-A-Thon last Friday, where over $93,000 was raised for Garnet Health Medical Center -- Catskills.

We know that this call for volunteers will be yet another example of our residents stepping up for their community.

Masks

Staying on the topic of COVID-19, as we mentioned in Tuesday's editorial, our country has now lost over 500,000 lives during the pandemic.

We must all do our part to protect the most vulnerable in our community. Please continue to be vigilant and wear your mask.

Also to our local business owners, while we understand it is difficult to both run your establishments, constantly sanitize and be the “mask police,” please make sure your staff is wearing masks when they are supposed to.

We have seen reports on social media of masks being loosely enforced at certain businesses.

Together, if we can keep the case count low as the vaccine rollout continues, we'll be a step closer to this pandemic being over.