Lunch for the needy

Christmas Day angels were out in force for the seventh year, providing lunch in a tent at the Meyer Homeless Center of Mission Waco. And for the third year, the angels at Holy Spirit Episcopal Church served fragile seniors from Friends for Life.

About 240 homeless people, homeless veterans, and needy men, women and children and fragile seniors were served a hot holiday meal. Of course, there were seconds for all. And everyone took away a gift bag, cookies and a boxed turkey meal for dinner.

The spirit of giving was tremendous, despite a cold and blustery day. More than 100 volunteers showed up ready to help. They welcomed everyone with “Merry Christmas,” smiles and cheery attitudes. Volunteers included U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards, former Army Gen. and Woodway Mayor Bill Weber and former Col. Robin Weber.

The dedication of these volunteers each year is truly exceptional. They don’t do it for recognition, only the sense of service for a worthy cause. It’s a special experience for everyone.

Mike and Karen O’Bric, Woodway

Radio narrowbanding

Wayne Canaday, McLennan County equipment maintenance director, told the Trib in a Dec. 25 story that the federal “narrowbanding” of local radio systems “couldn’t come at a worse time.” Talk about poor planning. Narrowbanding has been in the works for well over a decade.

I’d rather have better-equipped deputies, emergency personnel and fire departments than a clock tower, an empty, privately run jail or higher-paid county officials.

Jason Lundquist, Waco

A job next year?

The realities of unemployment continue to overshadow the lives of those still struggling. Media report that spending is up and the recovery is under way. The truth is many of us had no Christmas and feel more and more hopeless as the new year approaches.

My story is one of hundreds of thousands. I have been unemployed for more than six months. I have applied for hundreds of jobs of which I am qualified for and overqualified for. I have offered to work way below my education and experience level, only to be passed over for lesser-qualified people. I can’t afford to move, and I don’t qualify for unemployment or food stamps. I have used up all of my savings, retirement and thrifty living shortcuts. I have no heat, and the winter is getting colder. I will soon have no electricity or water.

What does it take to get a job in our area? What can a person do when there is no more money and no one is willing to give you a chance? I’m desperate and not the only one in my situation.

Terrie Seybold, Valley Mills

‘Smart as a whip’

In reference to Donna Myers’ Tuesday letter about Sarah Palin not qualified to be president — how would she know? She doesn’t even know who our past presidents were.

Ann Richards was not a president, as Myers stated. She was our Texas governor.

As far as Sarah being a good president, she would be a dang good one. She is smart as a whip and up-to-date on all things going on with our country. Anybody would be better than who we have as president now.

Sharon Bates, Waco