Letter to the Editor

Your View

Monday, February 4, 2002

Stop thief

Two years ago a fund-raiser was begun to benefit St. Jude's Research Hospital by collecting aluminum cans in a cotton trailer that is parked at Inside Lane, 2010 N. Main St. When the trailer becomes full, the cans are sold and the check is made payable to St. Jude's. Every penny from this effort goes to the benefit of children suffering from cancer. We have sent $5,000 plus to St. Jude's through this effort.

It has come to my attention that someone has been stealing the cans from the trailer. I cannot express adequately how upset this makes me. I can't imagine anyone being so depraved, immoral or whatever adjective you want to insert that they would steal these cans, knowing the proceeds go to St. Jude's Hospital. St. Jude's is a wonderful institution that treats all children who have cancer whether they have the means to pay for the treatment or not. St. Jude's is also a research center and through their work, many forms of cancer today have a good survival rate when just a few years ago, the disease was terminal.

I have asked the Sikeston Department of Public Safety, Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Scott County Sheriff's Department to pay particular attention to this trailer when they are passing this location. Also, I ask that anyone who is traveling regularly on 61 during the hours the business is closed to glance at the trailer and notify the authorities if they notice anyone acting suspiciously.

I also ask that the party responsible for removing these cans to please stop and think about what you are doing to the children these funds are to benefit. Are you really so desperate that you have to retort to stealing?

Sincerely,

Della Hubbard