Most people dig deep into their pockets when someone passes the hat to help meet an urgent need in their community. But how many of us are so in tune with what’s going on around us that we don’t have to be asked to give, we just quietly meet the need on our own?

John and Idamae Schack are two people who do just that. While the Schacks don’t like attention drawn to their giving, we can’t help but appreciate not only their financial generosity, but the fine example they set for us all on how to give. It is not just their money that we all benefit from, but their connectedness to Everett and surrounding areas that brings issues and organizations to our attention.

Most recently, the Schacks contributed enough money to The Children’s Museum of Snohomish County to enable the organization to buy a former bank building for its new home. The couple, who love to support anything related to children, gave the undisclosed amount of money after seeing the dedication and commitment of those who run the museum.

Just last year, the Schacks gave the Everett Symphony Orchestra $1 million to be used as an endowment for the orchestra’s next century of programming. And they have been staunch supporters of the Everett Historic Theater, saving it from almost certain foreclosure. With resolution, John Schack decided there simply wasn’t going to be any foreclosure of the theater, which once boasted greats such as Charlie Chaplin and Helen Hayes. Now the theater is a polished landmark in downtown featuring local actors in theater productions, old movies and more.

Most of us don’t have the financial resources of the Schacks, but we can most definitely follow their example of community awareness and involvement by volunteering what we can of our money and our time. Then we’ll know the same satisfaction the Schacks must have at being so involved.

Perhaps because of their incredible generosity, but even more so because of their connection to people and organizations here, it seems they’ve been a part of Everett forever. Actually, the Schacks — who have children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren — have been here about 20 years. Fortunately for the rest of us, their impact will last many lifetimes.