Letters to the editor | Wednesday, April 29, 2020: Food pantries hungry for support

Be generous with food pantries

During this unexpected economic downturn, local food banks and food pantries have taken a real hit in loss of funds and volunteers. The unemployed population has increased the demand for food bank services above and beyond the demand in times of plenty. We must support our local food banks that help our nearby friends and neighbors. Cash donations certainly is one of the best ways to aid such nonprofits.

Even during good economic times, our county has a high rate of poverty compared to most of California. Local organizations that feed the poor are very much trusted by anyone’s measure. Fighting food insecurity and long-term hunger helps folk with simple things like protecting one’s immune system, helping keep most persons healthier.

Most food banks and pantries are supported by little or no government funding. Most rely on private donations. The Salvation Army, Second Harvest Food Bank network, Modesto Gospel Mission, and others have established web sites for donations. Let’s directly help our local needy citizens by directing our limited funds to these types of local charities. Let’s give a helping boost to our nearest needy neighbors first.

Daniel Marsh, Modesto

It’s our money, not Trump’s

I find it despicable that Trump’s name is going on the relief checks that people will receive.

This money is funded by the taxpayers of the United States. It is not money from the Democrats or the Republicans; it is money negotiated and agreed upon by both parties and is funded by all taxpayers. It is not out of Trump’s bank account. Trump’s name on these checks is not appropriate.

Thomas Tyler, Modesto

Using coronavirus to campaign

Re “He cares about only one thing” (Letters, April 19): This writer really hit the nail on the head. Dictator Don has a big ego. Why did he want his name on checks? Probably to convince citizens he got the $2.2 trillion deal done. All it is, is politics at work. He wants votes this November.

In press conferences that happen everyday, he’s campaigning, nothing more. The king doesn’t care about us, just his ego. He has stated on many occasions that he is a smart guy. Who is he trying to convince, us citizens or himself? Since he likes his name on checks, hotels, golf courses, we should send him some toilet paper with his name on it.

Roland Sarchett, Modesto

Don’t lose sight of gun epidemic

The coronavirus is not the only thing that threatens our life. Gun violence is a threat that we must not ignore.

Today is the 21st anniversary of the Columbine School shooting. Two teens went on a shooting spree, killing 13 people and wounding more than 20 others, before turning their guns on themselves and committing suicide. The Columbine shooting was, at the time, the worst high school shooting in U.S. history and prompted a national debate on gun control and school safety.

Gun violence is an epidemic. Based on the latest CDC figures, for 2017, the average gun-related deaths per day were 100. Worldwide: 685 per day.

Gun violence is a life issue. We cannot say we are against abortion and at the same time be against common sense gun laws; it will be an absolute contradiction. We cannot have it both ways. We are either for life or against life.

God wants us to be either hot or cold because the lukewarm, he will spit out of his mouth. (Rev 3:16)

Father Misael Avila, Riverbank

Some homeless have no other choice

The city and police officers arrived at a property on Garden Avenue in West Modesto. They began removing people’s property and had tow trucks to take vehicles and RVs also.

Since none of the six residents who called this “home” actually live in one, their tents and trailers were taken, and most belongings, leaving everyone without any idea of where they may sleep. Among those being displaced is a couple and their 9-month-old son. They’ve lived in a tent for some time and keep to themselves.

Although some consider the homeless a nuisance, it was the family’s only choice. It just seems unfair that they have nowhere to go.

Eucelia D. Fritch, Modesto