To the editor:

Here is a practical, easy, nonpartisan way to promote peace without standing outside in the cold or donating money. This Christmas you simply can give peaceful gifts to family and friends and to children — especially the children. Children learn by copying us and by play. Their play mostly is practice for later adult activities. The presents you choose will help them form values and attitudes.

A toy truck or a board game can be just as much fun as a plastic machine gun or a tank, but the learning experience is quite different. Please consider just what lessons children will learn from the toys you buy. Shop thoughtfully and wisely and, above all, let the children know you love them.

Joe Douglas,

for the Lawrence Coalition for Peace and Justice