Illinois Valley News

(Editor“s Note: Views and commentary, including statements made as fact, are strictly those of the letter-writers.)

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Caring Tree needs help
From Carol Ronan,
executive director,
I.V. Family Coalition

The Caring Tree program, sponsored by Illinois Valley Family Coalition (IVFC), is entering its sixth holiday season. The program provides holiday gifts to senior and disabled persons receiving home care in Illinois Valley.  

In the past, eligible participants notified IVFC of their holiday wish.  IVFC advertised the event, allowing the public to help us fulfill those wishes. 

Gifts and funds from the public fell short the last two years.  This has required the coalition to cover the financial shortfall so that no one“s wish went unanswered.  

IVFC cannot fund future program shortages.  In fact the coalition never intended to fund holiday gifts. The coalition“s role was to match the needs of our senior and disabled residents receiving home care with help offered by others in the community.   

This year, we will ask our participants to notify us of their “Unfulfilled Needs.“ IVFC will work to help fill those needs that are for health, safety and comfort when the participant cannot otherwise obtain those items.  Some examples of the needs we will work to fulfill:

• *Hats and scarves.
• *Warm clothes such as sweaters or sweats.
• *Throws or blankets (not electric blankets).
• *Slippers and warm socks.
• *Pillows.
• *Stamps and stationery.

The coalition will continue to ask for support from community members to either purchase the items or to make a donation to the coalition so that we can purchase the items requested.  

The coalition will not fill requests that are not for the health, safety or comfort of the eligible participant.  

We believe that these changes will allow us to continue to help our senior and disabled citizens receiving home care through the program in a way that is affordable to those in the community who want to help.  We know that funds are limited in our community, but that there is a strong desire to help those in need.   

If anyone has questions about the program or wishes to make a donation to keep this program going for this coming holiday season, contact me at 541-592-6139.

Good-bye, America“
From Ken LeGaux
Selma

Goodbye freedom, jobs, schools that once taught our children the foundations of life, freedom, respect and responsibility.
And as you, or at least some of us know, the bad shape that this county is in, is in part our own fault for not having paid attention.
We all get busy with life and try to do better for ourselves and help family, friends and neighbors. But we fail to vote. Not me — I vote every time.
And it is our responsibility to put people in office whom we believe will honestly represent us. And I believe for the most part we try very hard to do just that.
But we don“t seem to keep an eye out for when they give us B.S. and try to get us to believe that they“re doing the right things.
Voting is not only our right, but our responsibility. When you say your vote doesn“t count, you“re right — if you don“t vote.
You see, even an elephant doesn“t stand a chance when he“s attacked by thousands of fire ants. Got it“
So join us voters not only in November, but every time that it“s time to vote. Remember, together we stand, but divided we fall.
The Constitution. Have you read it“ Read it. You might be surprised at what you“re missing. One day you may be sorry if you don“t read it. Some voted for change. Do you like it“ It will only get worse if we don“t wake up.
Explain things to the younger generations too. Then we can all vote to go back to American standards. Bring our jobs and industry back where it started from and put all of us back to work in America.

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