To the editor:

Poverty is definitely of extreme importance in Douglas County. I know there are people who give generously to almost every cause — people are the best “cause” to give to. The wealthy really do not need two or three boats, a couple of houses, brand new cars, eating out most every night of the week. The rest of us would just like a fair “living wage,” one where we would not have to work at minimum wage 50-70 hours a week. We would like to spend time with our families, and many of us have never had the opportunity for a pension of any sort and are trying to live on fixed incomes, which is impossible without some help.

There are many, many people working in Lawrence 50-60 hours a week (or two jobs) and are still frequenting the food banks. Where I volunteer at Just Food, the shelves are bare much of the time. Thanks so much to those farmer who donate produce. We thank you and appreciate all you give to the food banks.

Also, it is great that we have such a fantastic homeless shelter, but it is full almost all the time. My son, who has lived in Lawrence most of his adult life, is homeless and jobless and has not been able and has not been able to get in there. They could use more beds and just more volunteering in general. Volunteering is very rewarding, wherever you volunteer your time.