LETTERS: PEOPLE RESPOND WITH GOODWILL

To the editor:

In an era such as this, when many people seem to have lost most confidence in the general public, I would like to present an encouraging note that I learned recently from personal experience.

I'm a part-time people greeter at Wal-Mart in Jackson. We recently had the privilege of helping suffering children who are or will be patients at Children's Hospital in St. Louis, Cardinal Glennon Hospital and the Children's Miracle Network by presenting to the customers what we referred to as balloons. The suggested donation was $1. Many people, without hesitation, gave $5, some without even signing their names.

I had no idea how compassionate and generous the people were until I experienced their responses to the offer to be able to help these unfortunate and precious children. Most of the donors were from this area, but I met people from other states who were also wonderful people. If I had lost any faith in humanity, it was certainly restored by the kindnesses of these people.

A lot of people gave me credit for the funds raised by this project, but I didn't really do the selling. I prayed each day for the Lord to speak to the customers. He did so, and they listened. So I give him the credit as well as the wonderful people who listened to him.

America is still the greatest nation on Earth in great measure because of the combat veterans who risked their lives to keep us free. Many of them gave their lives for our freedom. Even though there is crime, corruption in government and a lot of neglect for the veterans who fought for their country, the experiences I had through this fund raising lifted my faith in the general public.

Because of these people, I would never -- when asked where I'm from -- hesitate to proudly say, "Southeast Missouri." I feel I have been privileged to meet the cream of the crop when it comes to wonderful people, and my prayer for each one of those who gave so generously to help these children is that his abundant blessings will be bestowed upon them and that they will prosper in every way.

EMERSON WALKER

Marble Hill