To the Editor:
It is with mixed emotions that I write this letter, but I feel that it is important that I say the following since I have dedicated many of my adult years attempting to be true to the spirit of helping my fellow man though our local volunteer program. Before rising from my bed each morning, I implore my God to let me make a difference in the life of someone today. He has always answered that request, much of it through the local volunteer program in Attala County, allowing me along with many unnamed individuals to see the fruits of our labor through this program. Many individuals at the local nursing homes, home nursing care facilities, hospice care programs, etc., find our work a benefit that their patients deeply appreciate and need. Some of the local groups served by us include Atwood Personal Care Home, Attala County Nursing Home, and Sta-Home. We have made clothes for needy children so that they could return to school in decent attire. Our outreach program includes Blair E. Batson Children’s Outpatient Cancer Clinic, Ronald McDonald house, Unwed Mothers and Children’s Clinic in Philadelphia, quilts for benefits and for those whose homes were lost due to disastrous events, clothes for mission work abroad in places such as Haiti, Belize, Mexico, Africa, and the Navaho Indian Reservation. Among the items made regularly were wheelchair throws, wheelchair bags, walker bags, tote bags, hand and heel covers for nursing home residents, hospital gowns, sheets/pillow cases for hospice care, dresses, shorts, quilts, and dog beds for animal care facilities.
Other things that occur under the roof of this building include monthly meetings held by organizations such as The Retired Educators of Attala County, The Lady Landowners as well as The Kosciusko Quilters Guild with each group contributing to Attala in its own way. Central Mississippi Area Aging Representative Angie Branch spends time here periodically helping aged residents find a medical plan that allows them to get the medicines they need at more reasonable prices. Without her presence, many of us older residents would be left unable to purchase medications recommended by our doctors.
The Attala Volunteer Program has become a favorite meeting place for many older women. On Wednesday afternoons these women gather for fellowship, snacks, and games (especially bingo). Since the location is quiet, shady, and allows for good nearby parking, women who probably would not leave home do come for regular outings and fun.
Finally, I do not know Ms. Beverly Johnson, but I do appreciated her speaking up in behalf of our program as well as the concern she displayed in writing about the closing of the program.
