LETTERS: PLESE HELP IN HONDURAN RELIEF

To the editor:

I commend the Southeast Missourian for supporting the Honduras relief effort by encouraging monetary contributions. I also commend Promise Keepers for quickly providing a mechanism for donations of food, clothing and building supplies. Having returned from Honduras on Oct. 27, I left a country that was ruggedly beautiful, primarily agricultural and poor but friendly.

Now Honduras, a nation somewhat smaller than Missouri with a comparable population, lies devastated with thousands dead or missing. Half the population is under 18 years of age. Seventy percent live in rural areas. The situation is desperate. I would like to add my plea for help. Most of us have old summer clothing which can be spared for those less fortunate. Many of us can spend several extra dollars at the grocery store for rice, red beans, powdered milk and canned goods.

What is the entire state of Missouri were under mudslides and the equivalent of Jackson were dead? Honduras has no Federal Emergency Management Agency and limited natural resources. Please be generous and quick to respond.

ANN SWANSON

Gulliver's Travel Agency

Jackson