To the editor:

The letter of Gail Nelson in Wednesday’s Journal-World was a wake-up call to people in authority everywhere: teachers, religious leaders and parents.

Caring and giving need to be instilled in a child’s nature at an early age. A few nights ago, a precious child of 7 or 8 was at our homeless facility. A parent was not at the facility. Children brought to see this will have a new appreciation of going to a safe home at night where there is someone who loves them.

Two young men were volunteers at the Salvation Army the other evening. These men work all day, and then work as volunteers in the kitchen in the evenings. If we could have more volunteers, it would not work such a hardship on so few.

It is gratifying to know there are those among us who do not walk by on the other side. We must hold fast to our FAITH. Faith may be defined as “action with an attitude.”

Those who wish to make cash donations or offer their personal services should contact the many fine organizations in Lawrence that provide so many services to those in need.

Mary Siegrist,

Lawrence