Letters to the Editor - April 23, 2020

Share the paths safely

 

Thanks to Susie Peiffer for her recent letter to the editor about bells for bicycles. 

 

I would agree to make bike bells mandatory on DI only if it also be made mandatory that the walkers and runners on the trails and sidewalks not be allowed to wear earbuds or be glued to their cellphones.

 

When my wife and I bike on the paths, she is constantly warning folks ahead with a very clear and distinctive bell tone from her bike. About half the time the signal goes unheard because of the above distractions. Then when we do try to pass, we get this sudden jumping/scared reaction from the runners and walkers.

 

We need to all consider one another on the fine walking, running and biking pathways on this island. It should also be noted that, to my understanding, bicycles should only be on the wider, 8-foot-wide sidewalks on the island. Those narrower sidewalks just don't allow a lot of room for walkers, runners, dogs and bicycles.

 

Mark W. Haebig
Daniel Island

 

A chance to give back

 

Please join me in this opportunity to give back to East Cooper Community Outreach. As a proud former client of the “Getting Ahead Program,” I was able to move into affordable housing on Daniel Island in 2011. I have enjoyed living, working and playing here for the last nine years!

 

To express my gratitude, I have made it a personal mission of mine to continuously give back to our community. This year, for my 52nd birthday, I would love to fill at least 52 grocery bags with food, cleaning supplies and personal hygiene productions for ECCO’s clients.

 

I invite you and your organization to assist by getting your children, co-workers, teams, clubs, church groups and offices to help fill a grocery bag. Items may be dropped off (from the convenience of your auto, golf cart or boat) at the end of River Landing Drive as you drive around the circle between the dock and Children’s Park.

 

We will be there with the ECCO van to collect your donations in front of the water on Friday, April 24, from 3-5 p.m.

 

Thank you so much for assisting me in giving back to our neighbors in need!

 

Shari Chavez Ergle
Daniel Island

 

Support Lowcountry Food Bank

 

With our network of community partners, the Lowcountry Food Bank has a proud history of responding to crises and supporting our neighbors who struggle with hunger — every day of the year.

For our neighbors, who are already facing food insecurity, being quarantined to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 means the very real danger of lost wages, further difficulty accessing food, and an increased reliance on the food bank to fill their plates. With school closures, job disruptions, lack of paid sick leave and the disproportionate impact on seniors and low-income families, we know the number of people in need will continue to grow.

 

COVID-19 has brought a tremendous increase in the demands on the food bank and our partner agencies. We immediately adjusted our business model due to drastic declines in retail food donations, social distancing limitations on volunteer efforts, and the need for low-contact distributions. We will continue to respond to the COVID-19 crisis throughout our community as needs arise, and we are working hard to reach everyone in need.

 

We are in this together, and we will continue to need our community's help! In the last few weeks alone, we have experienced a drastic decline in donated food and have expensed over $500,000 on food and transportation. We know that these expenses will continue to increase as the situation evolves, and we will continue to need monetary and volunteer support to meet the needs of those in our community who are facing hunger. Please visit lowcountryfoodbank.org/covid19/ to give or find resources for yourself or a loved one.

 

Thank you for supporting our community during this unprecedented time!

 

Pat Walker
President and CEO
Lowcountry Food Bank