The Hudson Valley often makes headlines for growth, development and the challenges facing our communities. But every so often, residents remind us of something even more important: this region’s greatest strength is its people.

This week, the Community Foundation of Orange, Sullivan and Rockland announced that the 11th annual Hudson Valley Gives campaign raised a record-setting $1.2 million for 270 nonprofit organizations across seven counties. That is more than a fundraising milestone. It is a statement about who we are as a community.

At a time when many families are balancing higher costs, economic uncertainty and demands on their own household budgets, Hudson Valley residents still found a way to give. Thousands of donors supported organizations that feed the hungry, care for animals, promote the arts, educate children, preserve history and provide critical human services. Those donations will ripple through communities for months and years to come.

The success of Hudson Valley Gives proves that generosity is alive and well in this region.

The organizations benefiting from the campaign represent the full character of the Hudson Valley. Support poured in for groups like Second Chance Foods, which fights food insecurity and waste; Humane Society of Walden, which protects vulnerable animals; Abilities First, which serves individuals with developmental disabilities; and the Hudson Valley Symphony Orchestra, which enriches the cultural life of the region.

Others rallied behind institutions like the Ashokan Center, the Bannerman Castle Trust and the Stone Ridge Library Foundation. The causes varied, but the message was the same: the Hudson Valley cares deeply about preserving and improving the quality of life for everyone.

Equally impressive was the creativity and determination shown by the nonprofits themselves. In an increasingly competitive charitable landscape, these organizations embraced social media campaigns, matching donations, special events and community outreach to engage supporters. Their innovation reflects the passion and resilience of the nonprofit sector, which so often fills the gaps where government programs and other institutions cannot.

The Community Foundation of Orange, Sullivan and Rockland also deserves praise for continuing to grow an initiative that has now generated more than $6.7 million since its inception. Founded in 1999, the foundation has become one of the region’s most important philanthropic engines, helping connect donors with causes that matter most across the Hudson Valley.

But the real credit belongs to the people of this region.

Too often, modern life can feel disconnected and divided. Yet Hudson Valley Gives demonstrates that when communities unite around shared values — compassion, generosity and civic responsibility — remarkable things can happen. The campaign’s success sends an encouraging reminder that neighbors still believe in helping neighbors.

The Hudson Valley is fortunate to have residents who understand that strong communities are not built solely through economic development projects or political debates. They are built through volunteerism, charitable giving and a willingness to invest in one another.

Every donor, whether they gave $5 or $5,000, helped strengthen the social fabric of this region.

For that, the Hudson Valley deserves congratulations.