To the editor:

The Journal-World photo of Danny Manning signing his donated basketball to the “little brother” of Steve Fawcett is a beautiful moment and gesture captured by photographer Monte Mace at the April 27 fundraiser to benefit the Lawrence Community Shelter. It’s a perfect image of the community spirit of those who volunteer their time, energy and money in an attempt to change the world.

Steve has children of his own to whom he could’ve given this prize, but how typical that he goes out of the box to present it to a young friend from Big Brothers Big Sisters. Steve and Kathleen’s children would not covet this basketball. They are very much part of the philosophy that claims that it’s in the giving that we receive.

Which segues to another presentation at this fundraiser. Four student volunteers were recognized as representative of the many Lawrence student volunteer groups and hundreds of individual student volunteers from local schools K-12 and Kansas University. Do those student volunteers not chosen begrudge the others their commendation? Do they serve and volunteer for the recognition? Clearly not. These beautiful young volunteers have much to teach their elders about selfless service in the name of compassion and the desire to make a positive difference in the world.

April is National Volunteer Month, and I salute the many individuals who step forward on a regular basis to lend a loving and helping hand to the needy in our community.

Carol Pilant,

Lawrence