North Dakota ranks in the Top 10 among states for child well-being, again. The state always ranks among the top in Kids Count, an annual national survey project of the Annie E. Casey Foundation. It's a nice pat on the back for a state where quality of life remains high in nearly every aspect. Taking care of children, and educating them well, are actions the people of the state take pride in, year after year.

Of course, we can do better. But we already do pretty well.

Credit for these high ratings go to parents, schools, communities, the Legislature and other elected officials. North Dakota has not neglected its children; perhaps that's why we regret their departure when they reach working age.

It's worth noting that the state has taken care of children when the economy has been boom or bust. The state did not let low oil prices and poor commodity prices in the past stand in the way of taking care of kids. And when the state had a $1 billion surplus during the last legislative session, much of that money went to education.

North Dakota will continue to do a good job in taking care of its children.

Get ready to care

While not to suggest that people in the Bismarck-Mandan community care about each other only one day a year, it's time to get ready for the Missouri Slope Areawide United Way's annual Day of Caring, when teams of community-minded people spread out into Bismarck-Mandan and take on needed work. That might mean sprucing up a park, painting shelters or repairing playground equipment. The work will be done on behalf of 13 non-profit organizations, and nearly 400 volunteers will be involved.

For some people, donating money to United Way is not enough. They need to give hands-on help. They need to do work on behalf of charity. When that work is done as part of a community-wide effort, its reward grows in richness.

The local Day of Caring will be held on Aug. 12, and will begin with a breakfast to fuel the volunteers.

Work has its own way of caring.