To the editor:

I was intrigued by the ingenuity that the homeless exhibited to hold a car wash to earn money to buy some gloves and softball equipment so they could play softball. No one was standing around waiting for handouts but were working on a hot summer day to earn what they needed, providing a service to the community. I was one of the people who drove in and felt very good having participated in their car wash. My hat is off to everyone who worked so hard to promote and carried out the car wash. You are to be commended.

However, there are no words for the disbelief and outrage I experienced reading that this worthwhile event was stopped by someone from the city of Lawrence. I hope the city storm water quality technician can face himself in the mirror after his outrageous actions Saturday stopping the car wash. Then to add insult to injury, he advises that someone would return Monday to drop off the citation for holding a car wash.

Kids’ groups have been holding car washes for years with no city interference. I hope the city of Lawrence thinks long and hard before they take any money from these hard-working men and women. If that happens, Lawrence’s efforts to promote the welfare of the homeless will be the most hypocritical actions of any city in the state.

Gloria Schwarz,

Lecompton