The good things that Helping Hands does are too numerous to list, but one of the important things is to provide new school clothing each fall for approximately 50 children.
I have worked the food bank and can tell Mrs. Williams, who lives on Line Street, and who was quoted in the article, that the people who need food and used clothing are not “a whole ‘nother’ population.” They are people who have lost their jobs, have suffered catastrophic illness, or for any other number of reasons, find themselves in need. A large percentage of them are elderly people trying to stretch a small Social Security check. Who among us can say with certainty, “that will never happen to me.”
Regarding the remarks about giving used clothing as opposed to selling it for a small sum, that is a common practice. Where I presently live, there is an organization called Graceworks. They take used furniture, clothing, toys, etc. and sell them at a low price. The proceeds are then used to assist people with financial needs. When they need to, these items are given away without cost. I know that Helping Hands would do the same thing. Goodwill and Salvation Army use the proceeds from used items to help those in need. It seems to work well for them.
It seems strange to me that for the past “hundred years” everyone on Line Street has been given a “free ride” where parking on the street is concerned, and just now, it’s not permitted by Helping Hands’ clients and volunteers. It’s not like they are running a business. They are a “not for profit” organization and their hours are very limited.
I do hope that the good people of Trigg County will come to the aid of Helping Hands so that they can continue doing the work that they have been doing since 1997. Regarding people who find themselves in need, we might do well to stop and think, “There but for the Grace of God, go I.”
Pat Wallace
Cadiz
