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© St. Petersburg Times, published January 5, 2003
Re: Lessons in giving, story, Dec. 25.
What wonderful news by staff writer Lorri Helfand and photographer Carrie Pratt. The photo of the children from Caney Creek Elementary was a joy to see on Christmas Day.
I've been associated with St. Paul's School for many years. Our parents, faculty and administrative staff have always participated in projects of the heart, teaching students year after year about the pleasure and responsibility of giving.
The expressions of appreciation on the faces of the beautiful little girls in Kentucky were a sight to behold. Thank you for bringing it to us!
-- Betty Ann Southard, Clearwater
What a pleasure to read Lessons in giving on Christmas morning! What a great story! My thanks go to Carolyn Walton for not only teaching her class the benefits of giving, but helping the children of Caney Creek Elementary School (in Pippa Passes, Ky.) experience a wonderful Christmas.
-- June Brott, Clearwater
Re: Two-car accident seriously injures baby boy, story, Dec. 30.
"The infant . . . was being held on his mother's lap in the front passenger seat . . . when the vehicle was struck, police said."
The driver of the car as well as the mother of this baby should be prosecuted for endangerment of the child. If the child dies, they should be prosecuted for manslaughter. There is a law to protect this child, and it was ignored.
I see it all too often as I drive the streets of Pinellas County. After seeing this in the news, I hope there will be more frequent enforcement of the law.
-- Karen Bowen, Clearwater
On Dec. 24, Christmas Eve, at 2 p.m., my car stalled right at Tampa Road and East Lake Road. It was a blustery day, and I sat in my car at the intersection, alone, calling a tow service. No one came to help me. Even the car behind me that had smacked into my car, pushing me into the intersection about 10 feet more, abruptly veered left and sped off.
In the spirt of giving and caring, I would like to thank a man named Dale, who came out of nowhere, asked me if I needed help, and pushed my car what seemed like 300 feet up a hill and into the Wachovia Bank parking lot. I got out and hugged him for what he did. His response was, "I'm surprised no one came out to help you."
Thank you, Dale. I won't forget that you helped me.
For the two elderly people who hit my car, I forgive you.
A happy new year to all.
-- Mary Lou Cruz, Oldsmar
On Dec. 12 I was in an accident at Jeffords Street and Fort Harrison Avenue in Clearwater at about 2 p.m. I want to thank the cab driver and another man -- I didn't get their names. They stayed with me and talked to me until the paramedics came. I am very grateful. I hope they see this.
-- Claire E. Smith, Clearwater
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