To the Editor,

It is a bleak barometer that has the task of quantifying the brotherly love of this community as a whole. Sure, we as Robesonians have our tender, empathetic moments of unselfish giving — but this is usually when we choose, not

practice for a way of life. We live in such harsh economic times that members of our own societal family are so pressed to provide food on the table that they resort to stealing from nonprofit agencies whose sole purpose is to assist those of us who are in need.

On Christmas Day at 9 a.m., my husband, who is the manager of Robeson County Church and Community Center

Home Store, received a telephone call notifying him that the front window of his store had been broken out. When he arrived, he learned from the police that the culprits had broken into the building and stolen the safe.

What is wrong with this picture? This little store serves people from donations that we all supply them with. Vouchers can be presented that allow people to get clothing, appliances and other household items for free. Good winter coats cost anywhere from $1 to $5.

Every one of us has a responsibility for our culture being so disparaged as to force individuals into making such senseless choices. If there existed a more giving nature to our daily lives, this kind of travesty would not be as common as it is today.

Karen Nance

Lumberton