In defense of Strausburgs (01/22/2009)

To the editor:

This is in response to the recent letter concerning the attack on Clarel and Kay Strausburg, as well as the Community and Family Services Thrift Store. I had already written a letter to the editor about the possibility that Jack Prescott did not exist (which the CR has publicly admitted). The issue is not whether Mr. Prescott did exist, but that the integrity and character of the Strausburg's name was damaged and they were humiliated in our local paper.

It is now time to address whomever "Mr. Prescott" is. We shall call you "Mr. Complainer." The same questions apply that we asked before. Why would you attack the Strausburgs and what would be your motive unless you are one of the problems? You attacked their abilities and willingness to help this community - a community in which you are a part of - and yet indicated the community as a whole is suffering. You indicated everything they do is damaging instead of helpful and they ruin programs. What programs?

You don't really know the Strausburgs. Let me fill you in on what they do for Jay County. Have you ever heard of the Angel Tree Project? I know for a fact this past Christmas alone, 900-plus kids had gifts to open (where Santa would otherwise have missed their house), more than 300 families enjoyed a Christmas dinner and 100 senior citizens got a food box. Do you know who was responsible for this endeavor? Kay Strausburg, who has a big heart, a burden for the less fortunate and has devoted many years to this wonderful project along with her husband Clarel. Do you know how many months it takes to accomplish this one project? We do. We know the numerous voluntters, committee, church youth groups and volunteers. Maybe you should step up to the plate instead of complaining and start volunteering to help instead of hinder.

The Strausburgs are landlords and are involved in many other organizations such as the CFS Thrift Store, which is run by the Strausburgs and overseen by the CFS Advisory Council.

The person who oversees the programs, Don Cole, is am employee of CFS and can explain the programs in full to you should you need to no more. There is no danger of anyone on the advisory council ruining any of the programs because all are volunteers and simply offer help to those who need help. This includes the thrift store and food bank.

Have you ever been to the thrift store? It's open to the public and we are so fortunate to have a community that donates, shops and supports these projects, with all proceeds going right back into supporting the food bank. If there ever was a need for these services, now is the time. The government sets the guidelines and they are followed, so how can one couple ruin something they have no control over? The advisory council strives to operate as a unified body, especially since Mr. Bruner quit.

You seem to know so much about what is in there and what needs to be changed or addressed. What would that be? If you would venture in, I'm sure you would see that there are new items, beauty, personal hygiene and health care products. Also, candy, gum, batteries, cooking utensils, cleaning, baking and pet supplies, just to name a few. The store even has weekly and seasonal sales, along with the annual Tractor and Engine Tent Sale in August. It takes weeks to get everything boxed, unboxed, sorted and priced and a weekend to set up tents with many volunteers. The Strausburgs bring their RV and camp at the tent site for the week. They, along with other CFS advisory council members, volunteer to pick up and unload items for the food bank. Where are you? Maybe you should step out of your comfort zone and quit hiding behind a non-existent person and volunteer.

When you attacked the Strausburgs you attacked every member of the advisory council and every volunteer of the thrift store and food bank. When Jim Bruner walked out on the advisory council last summer without warning, he not only gave up his presidency but declared he and his wife were finished due to health and person reasons (his words).

That was why we went to the commissioners meeting. We were checking out the facts. No one on the advisory council was aware of the commissioners appointing a position without notifying anyone. We only found out when it was published in the CR. We were concerned someone could be on the executive board and not even be part of the local CFS Advisory Council. We have the tail wagging the dog.

This is not a personal vendetta against Mr. Bruner, but it has been made a personal vendetta against the Strausburgs and yes they are our friends. They attend church and always offer a helping hand.

Now it's your turn. Please step up and identify yourself and apologize to the Strausburgs and try to make things right.

The goal for the thrift store and food bank is to thrive, so everyone must work together for the good of those who need help. The store has been cleaned up, painted, rearranged with better lighting and has more racks.

Everyone worked together to get much accomplished and the task is not done yet. Suggestions? Please stop by and fill out one of the survey sheets - favorable or not. Better yet, volunteer. If you see Kay or Clarel or any volunteer, shake their hand and thank them or walk in their shoes.

Thanks and God Bless,

Randy and Cathy Smith,

for the CFS

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