Successful stuffing

To the St. Joseph community: Thank you for your support of the “Stuff the Truck” clothing drive on Oct. 16 and 17. Without the generosity of the St. Joseph community, we would not have been able to collect the many donations we received. In addition to the regular clothing that was given, there were more than 250 coats donated for the coat distribution. We appreciate each person who gave and helped make the “Stuff the Truck” clothing drive the overwhelming success it was.

We also want to acknowledge and thank Hy-Vee for the use of the parking lot and Brown Transfer for the use of the trailer. Obviously, without the partnership, there would not have been “Stuff the Truck.”

Because you and others chose to support The Salvation Army, we are able to offer the gift of hope to struggling men, women and children in our community. We can provide food for the hungry, basic necessities for those in need and spiritual support for desperate people who just need to know someone cares.

We can only offer these blessings with the help of caring people like you. Thank you again for your compassion and your generosity of spirit.

Capt. Chuck Cook, corps officer, The Salvation Army

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Thanks to Heartland

On Oct. 10, Dr. Kammerer, per his nurse Jackie, had me go to the emergency room due to severe headaches. I arrived at about 10 a.m. and was immediately shown into a room. The RN, Jack, was professional and kind and explained everything he did. Soon the physician arrived, Dr. Gemmett, and ordered an IV line and lab work. I was given medication for pain, O2 and he explained what he thought my problem was. I viewed the CAT scan of my head (done a day before). Imporal arteritis cortisone was the treatment. Within two hours, my head pain lessened, and I was able to go home with two prescriptions and an explanation sheet. I appreciated the prompt courteous care I was given.

Scotty Chambers, Savannah, Mo.

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Life in America

I have noticed and lived it, how our government will literally help illegal immigrants and such with food stamps, Medicaid, Social Security, energy allowance and housing assistance.

Isn’t it really ironic that I have worked a job for years and paid high taxes; I have been forced to receive Social Security disability benefits; and I have not been able to find a job, let alone a good job, due to the diagnosis of schizophrenia over 20 years ago? I am really surprised I even get help at all.

If I was an illegal immigrant or what have you, I would be driving a new car, too — not to mention food stamps, energy assistance, housing assistance and whatever else in the way of help.

Rodney R. Bruns, St. Joseph, Mo.