Letters to the editor

The following are letters to the editor that appeared in the Dec. 16 print edition of The Herald. To submit a letter, e-mail editor@puyallupherald.com. Please keep letters submissions to 250 words.

Why can’t the Puyallup City Council televise the meetings immediately? Why the delay?

I’m a little worried about the failure of the city council to automatically televise a meeting. Why is it that they have to approve being televised? Their salaries are paid for by the citizens, they always meet — we hope — in a city-owned building and their business is city business. Why is it they have the choice to be televised or not?

Dan Fluaitt, Puyallup

During a season when local businesses are asked for many donations, they still step up

At Willow Gardens Retirement, the staff and residents chose to adopt two families through Helping Hand House of Puyallup. For those not familiar, Helping Hand House finds temporary housing for the homeless in our area and provides counseling, education and training for the work force.

Given the recent economy, I understood supporting two families might be difficult even for a large retirement community such as ours. However, I remained hopeful we would be able to provide a nice Christmas for each, ensuring a nice dinner and the needed gifts as much as the wished for gifts.

Overall, our residents and staff did a wonderful job, showing generosity beyond expectation. However, there were some items requested that we were unable to provide as part of our mission.

Albaaqee Imani, manager of the South Hill Wal-Mart, partnered up with us so we could surprise one mom with a vacuum.

The Boy Scouts of America stepped up and not only provided a uniform but included a back pack and camping gear for an 11 year old boy.

Another youngster requested only one toy item — a bike. Mike Ayers, with the Sumner Fred Meyer, did not hesitate to step up to provide a gift card that would enable us to purchase this bike at their store.

Finally, we wanted to see each of our six children get something under the tree which would provide them entertainment, challenge their creativity and bring a smile to their hearts and faces.

Rob Myers, with Rite Aid, offered to provide these items to add to the joy of their Christmas morning.

If what we can offer brings joy to just a few, our own joy can be tenfold. Thank you to those business partners, who although likely already overwhelmed with requests for the season, made room for just a few more. What a positive example to have in our business community.

Laurie A. Miller, Willow Gardens