Published: July 08, 2008 10:22 pm         

BRUCE WISSINGER | Man’s plea in Readers’ Forum draws help

When someone reaches out for help in The Tribune-Democrat’s Readers’ Forum, invariably community members respond.

Such was the case on Tuesday, when a letter from Joe Morris of Johnstown’s Prospect section detailed his plight.

The letter began:

“Let me tell you the problems some of the elderly face. I’m 70, cannot speak (cancer) and have a problem walking. I have a big dog and a need for company. I live alone and no one visits.”

Morris, whose letters have appeared through the years, continued to describe what he felt was a problem getting help from agencies to get rides to obtain necessities for himself and his dog.

“I need shoes and dog food. I’m giving my dog hamburg I could use.”

On Tuesday, help arrived in the form of two phone calls and an e-mail to The Tribune-Democrat newsroom.

Joni Weaver of Habitat for Hounds said her organization could add Morris to its list.

“We deliver free dog food in the city every other month, and we could make sure he gets enough for his dog,” Weaver said. “We could probably get him a pair of shoes, too.”

Sherry Rickabaugh of Johnstown e-mailed: “If someone can tell me how to get to Joe Morris, or you can get in touch with us, we have some dog food he can have. Or, if we can drop it off somewhere that would be fine, too.”

She was given Morris’ address.

In a second call to the newsroom, a woman who identified herself only as a former nurse and “someone who cares for people” offered to help.

“His letter got to me. I’m a little afraid of big dogs, however,” she said.

She, too, said she would get in touch with Morris.

Morris ended his forum letter: “I sit here wondering what to do next. Something has to be done for people like me. All I’m asking for is the basic needs.”

It would seem those needs are being taken care of.



Bruce Wissinger is The Tribune-Democrat’s editorial page editor. He can be reached at 532-5076.

     

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