Senator urges donations to food banks (11/22/05)

To the editor:

During this season of giving and thankfulness in our land of plenty, I encourage you to help those most in need by contributing to local food pantries. The devastation of the hurricanes as well as the tornado which hit southwestern Indiana on November 6th have made this a difficult year for many people and stressed the resources of our local food banks.

Each citizen can make an important contribution in the fight against hunger at a local level. Over the years, I have visited numerous Hoosier food banks and have been especially impressed by the remarkable work of these organizations. In many cases, they are partnered with churches and faith-based organizations and are making a tremendous difference in our communities.

We should support this private sector activity, which not only feeds people, but also strengthens community bonds and demonstrates the power of faith, charity and civic involvement.

To participate in this important advocacy for food banks and emergency feeding programs by donating to your local food pantry, please contact your local food bank.

With the approaching winter season, many Hoosiers are also bracing for the cold weather and the financial hardships caused by the expected increase in heating costs. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has distributed $199 million in Indiana to eligible low-income households from fiscal year 2002 to fiscal year 2005.

I strongly support LIHEAP, and I encourage Hoosiers who are concerned about their ability to pay for home heating during the cold winter months to contact the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration for more information at http://www.state.in.us/fssa/families/housing/eas.html or 1-800-622-4973.

I thank you, in advance, for your personal thoughtfulness and generosity this holiday season so that the bounty of our country can be shared with all Hoosiers. I wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Sincerely,

Richard G. Lugar,

United States Senator



Show thank yous

To the editor:

Xi Chapter, Delta Theta Tau, Portland, would like to take this opportunity to thank the many individuals that enabled the success of our 21st annual Delts’ Holiday Arts and Crafts Show.

Our show would not be possible without the patience, cooperation and support of the faculty and staff at Jay County High School. Thank you to each of you.

We would like to give special thanks to Vickie Reitz, Tom Ferguson, the students that helped mark booths, move tables and chairs and put up the stakes; Karmella VanSkyock, Shannon Kaufman, Rodney Bye, Debbie Brinkerhoff, Rotch Shope, Allen French, Steve Shawver, Russell Sloan and Russell Hartman; the swim team and coach Barry Weaver; the wrestling team and coaches James Myers, Mark Myers, Randy Mann, Justin Adams, Erich Zielinski and Eric McLaughlin; the foods classes and Kay LeMaster; the Swing Choir and Jan Rittenhouse; and the Key Club and sponsor Dwain Michael.

Also thanks to the Jay County Sheriff’s Department and Reserves.

Thank you to Santa.

Thank you to all our participating dealers.

Our show would not be the success that it is without the patronage of our community and surrounding communities. We thank each of you.

We would like to acknowledge and praise each of our Delta sisters. Without your commitment, the arts and crafts show would not exist.

Thank you to the Youth Service Bureau staff and residents for donating their time at the show.

Also, thank you to our families.

If you helped in any way and we forgot to mention you, we sincerely apologize.

Linda Ashman, for the

members of Xi Chapter,

Delta Theta Tau,

Portland[[In-content Ad]]