The news has been grim: shocking crime, a poor economy, hundreds of local residents struggling to restore order from the chaos of last week's deadly tornado. Amid that backdrop, the announcement this week by the Concord Regional Visiting Nurse Association of a remarkable gift was all the sweeter.

Eugene and Anne Slusser of Hopkinton have donated $1 million to help the VNA move into a new building on Pillsbury Street. The move will allow the agency to coordinate its offices in one spot, with better parking and access. The money will also help the VNA purchase information technology and set up a scholarship program for Hopkinton students and VNA workers.

It couldn't have come at a better time for the agency: In June, the VNA's annual appropriation by the city was drastically reduced.

Even if you don't know the Slussers, you've probably heard of them. They made a similar-sized gift to Concord Hospital's Payson Center for Cancer Care and another $1 million gift to build the senior center in Hopkinton, which was named in their honor. They have contributed to the New Hampshire Antiquarian Society, to the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire and to the First Congregational Church of Hopkinton.

Their connection to the VNA is personal: The care from visiting nurses has allowed the couple to stay in their home despite Anne's illness.

It's the same kind of quiet, critical service provided to families across the region.

Eugene Slusser explained his remarkable philanthropy to Monitor reporter Shira Schoenberg simply: "This community is my life," he said. "It's always been very good to me."

Concord and Hopkinton are indeed lucky to have such generous neighbors.