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Letters to the EditorsLetters of thanks
© St. Petersburg Times Editor: As we reflect on the past year, all the staff and volunteers at the Good Samaritan Health Clinic are grateful for the many blessings and continued support we have received from the community to meet the health care needs of needy residents in Pasco County. As we begin the new year, we look forward to continuing our efforts to facilitate access to medical and dental care to low income families who do not have health insurance, have been denied Medicaid and cannot afford visits to see a doctor or dentist. A huge "thank you" goes out to all of our community partners who provide unselfish support and compassionate care to our Good Sam Clinic patients. This includes all the area hospitals and outpatient clinics as well as radiology services, medical laboratories, physicians, dentists, pharmacists and their staffs -- all of whom give so much of themselves to help our neediest neighbors. Another big "thank you" to all the in-house volunteers at the Good Sam Clinic. Without these incredibly dedicated nurses, technicians and clerical staff, Good Samaritan would not exist. We're also very grateful for all the help and support of the Pasco County Medical Society, and our chief fundraiser, the Pasco County Medical Society Alliance. Many thanks also to United Way of Pasco County, the Community Development Block Grant Division of Pasco County Government, and all of our other generous friends.
Notwithstanding our many blessings, we're saddened by the loss of two wonderful Good Samaritan volunteers. We lost our youngest volunteer, Ariel Goldman, a precious young lady and daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Steve Goldman. We also lost Ken, a pharmacy volunteer for many years. God bless and keep you both. You will be sorely missed by all of us at the Good Samaritan Health Clinic.
Editor: I would like to thank a wonderful group for making Christmas a truly special time for homeless children. Pasco Association of Health Care Office Managers sponsored a Christmas party at Bay Point Village for the children of Gulf Coast Community Care Homeless Shelter. This was the second year in a row that we have been so fortunate to have Mr. and Mrs. Claus arrive and give gifts to the children. If you didn't believe in Santa Claus this party would have been enough to make you believe in the spirit of Christmas. Thanks so much for all the people who were involved in making this party possible. Your efforts made such a difference in the lives of others. Editor: A letter of thanks is overdue for the postal workers who besides rain, sleet and snow, have carried on throughout the anthrax situation and sorted and delivered our mail. Unlike the senators and congressmen in Washington who got paid time off and free medical care during their exposure, postal workers continue to work with no time off and pay their own medical expenses.
As we stand in line, many people complaining and bothered at this crunch time, bear in mind these postal workers are delivering for you. Editor: This Christmas proved again that they are out there, waiting to give of themselves, offering assistance to some worthwhile charitable cause. Volunteers, young and old fulfilling a mission, whatever the reason, a desire to give back or maybe being part of a fellowship. For four weeks, busy hands and strong backs of a small group of these determined volunteers sorted, packed, and stacked, box by box, thousands of cans of fruits and veggies, stuffing, potatoes and sugar. Some 300 frozen sweet hams and succulent turkeys waited to claim their place in Christmas food boxes. For those weeks preceding Christmas, hundreds of our local caring good Samaritans, wanting to make that day joyful for all Pasco families, donated tons of food, toys and clothing to the warehouse. They are always faithful. Dec. 21 was the culmination day of all this divine offerings, hard work and planning. The place, the Salvation Army. It was a glorious day as hundreds of boxes of food and bags of toys and clothes brought joy and delight to several hundred hopeful Pasco families. Who were these people and why they came was not important. There was a need, and essential wanting and we were there to make it happen. They came, young and old, some struggling, weak, but most ready for the day. Families with small children came with buggies, wagons and carts. Senior citizens took their place in line, a few with unsteady walkers slow but determined. Some faces were sad but most were in the holiday spirit and filled with hope. We were there to serve, to try to bring a smile to everyone's face. None of this would take place without volunteers. To mention all of their names is impossible. I would unfairly forget many. They serve in the office, the warehouse, emergency wagon, the domestic violence center, the food kitchen and many other important areas throughout the year. They know who they are. We all share a common bond, the experience, the gift. And the young again have come to answer their call to duty. For the sixth consecutive year the River Ridge High School Interact Club, some 25 or more guys and gals, volunteered again to work, distributing and carrying heavy boxes and bags to the waiting families. Their sole purpose that day was to serve, to give of themselves, their muscles and their hearts. With only a few adults they did all the heavy work. This was truly their special day. I say again, a job well done kids.
To the generous people of West Pasco County -- thank you again. You are the real spirit of this giving holiday. Without your giving there is no celebration. To all you extraordinary gracious volunteers I worked with, bless you and let's have a good year. Editor: I don't mean to sound like an advertisement, but considering the fact that there are often so many complaints about nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities, I would like to comment about the wonderful care I received while recovering at Madison Pointe Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in New Port Richey.
The physical therapists, the staff in general, and the food and room were excellent. I found the center to be a great place in which to recover, mainly due to the caring attitude of the staff. I feel fortunate in the choice my doctor made on my behalf.
 © 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
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