If you want evidence of the "Tupelo Spirit," simply look at the outpouring of generosity in the city in the wake of the enormous tragedy in Haiti.

While Tupelo certainly isn't the only place in our region or state where concern and compassion for the people of Haiti has been tangibly expressed in monetary donations, its organized citywide effort through the CREATE Foundation produced uniquely impressive results.

Last week, Mayor Jack Reed Jr. announced that more than $56,000 had been collected through the city's effort that included $17,000 raised in Tupelo's public schools, and checks were still coming in. That's on top of the $36,000 raised by the Red Cross of Northeast Mississippi and countless donations by citizens of Tupelo and the region to international ministries like Tupelo-headquartered Global Outreach and various denominational relief agencies.

Reed was quick to emphasize that contributions came from outside the city as well as from within. But without the city's organizational push, the amount raised likely would have been considerably less.

Mississippians, as most of us who live in the state realize from personal experience, are a generous people. For several years now the state has led the nation in charitable giving as a percentage of personal income.

Residents of Tupelo and Lee County have historically been among the most generous within the most generous state. The Chronicle of Philanthropy has ranked Lee County as high as 43rd among all counties in the nation in charitable giving. The fact that the 2009 United Way of Northeast Mississippi campaign exceeded its fund-raising goal under the most trying of economic conditions says volumes about the priorities of this community and region.

Much of this impulse comes from the strong religious faith of the people of this city, county and region that compels a response to obvious need and suffering. That need and suffering can be close at home or in distant places; the response called forth is the same.

The people of Tupelo, Lee County and Northeast Mississippi didn't hesitate because of some ill-founded assessment of the deserving nature of the recipients. They didn't let the differences in nationality, culture and religion stand in the way of what they saw: Horrendous tragedy and suffering among fellow human beings, fellow children of God.

We can all feel fortunate to be a part of a community and region that see a need and respond to it - in an organized and effective way. It's who we are, and who we are continually striving to become.