To the community,

As a longtime South Shore resident, I experienced the generosity of the community who helped provide clothes and food to my mother and I when she struggled financially. The community again helped me when I had a spinal cord injury by providing free medical care.

Later, Lake Tahoe Community College welcomed me as a student and helped me gain the education I needed to pursue my goals. They again showed the importance of community when I was offered a position as an adjunct instructor, which has led to a career that I love.

I feel privileged that I can now help out, not just in our small town, but around the world as well. I am currently in Hoi An, Vietnam, volunteering at a center for orphaned, abandoned, and disabled children. The children have been affected by Agent Orange, and there are not enough wheelchairs and supplies. So many spend their days lying in bed or on the floor.

Our U.S. currency is worth quite a bit here, and any contribution would be very helpful and make these children very happy. A GoFundMe account has been set up for them.

Mary Gillespie