We admit it. We’re probably the only newspaper in America publishing an editorial about a sandwich.

But Valdosta is possibly the only city in the U.S. with a sale like the Temple Israel annual Kosher Corned Beef Sandwich Sale that kicks off Friday, March 22, and continues Sunday and Monday, March 24-25.

The sale has become a Valdosta tradition.

If you don’t believe it, swing by the Temple at lunch time on any of these days.

You will see car after car driving up and around the Temple to pick up the lunch of a third-pound of corned beef sandwich, chips, dill pickle, drink, a dessert and condiments.

Temple Israel expects to sell about 6,000 sandwiches this year.

The sale started in 1998 and 2019 marks the 21st year for the sandwich sale. The effort has gone from 500 sandwiches the first year to 6,000 the past few years, organizers said.

A percentage of the funds annually goes to different community charities. The Rotary-sponsored Dolly Parton Imagination Library has been designated for funds this year.

In the past, Temple Israel has donated proceeds to Horseback Heroes, Boys & Girls Club, Hopes & Dreams, The Haven, Lowndes County Future Farmers of America, the Rotary Club’s law-enforcement support fund, etc. Organizers estimate thousands of dollars have been donated to area charities.

Additional proceeds fund the Temple’s operations.

These organizations contribute to the good of our region.

So does the sandwich sale.

While the sale is a Valdosta tradition, South Georgia is a rare success for similar sales.

Other cities have tried similar sales but many have failed, according to Temple representatives. Charleston, S.C., offered a diverse menu with several items; it stopped sandwich sales after the first year, according to Temple Israel.

Pensacola, Fla., wanted to deliver the sandwiches; this did not work.

So, if you have already purchased a ticket, don’t forget to pick up your corned beef sandwich Friday, Sunday or Monday.

If you don’t have a ticket, get one. Help the community. Enjoy a great sandwich.

Come sandwich days, you can eat inside or take it to go.

And don’t worry about traffic.

Another tradition: Temple Israel members keep the sandwiches and cars moving.

The sale is 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, March 22; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, March 24; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday, March 25, Temple Israel, 511 Baytree Road. Cost: $12. More information: Tickets can be purchased online at templeisrael-valdosta.org; or call (229) 244-1813. Tickets also available at Natural Health, Steel’s Jewelry, Kaleidoscope, Astro.