Standing tall to help a child

To the Editor:

I would like to thank everyone in the community who gave money to help support the Shriners Hospital for Children on Saturday April 14th in the Fill-a-Fez campaign! It was very humbling to talk to the local people who themselves, family or friends have been patients of our hospital and the impact it made on their lives. A lady briefly described her nephew who should not walk today, but is now a construction worker and lives a healthy productive life thanks to our St. Louis facility. The dollars it took for his care all come from people like you!

For those of you that drove through town and saw the guys with their strange red hats (fez) and wondered who or what they are, let me take a minute to tell you. The Shriners are a fraternal organization that has a common goal of charity through our very own Shriners Hospitals for Children. There are 22 non-profit hospitals in the network of Shriners Hospitals. Children age 18 or younger with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries and cleft lip or palate are eligible for admission. Care is free regardless of race, religion, sex or the family's ability to pay. The child does not have to be affiliated with Shriners to be admitted and a local Shriner will gladly sign an application for anyone in need of care. I would ask, please, if you know someone who needs help do not hesitate to call our hospital liasison Bob Branum 573-686-9405 or if you happen to see a Shrine emblem on a hat, shirt or the back of a vehicle - ask that man - I assure you he will be delighted to assist you.

On Saturday, several people made donations and then commented "it's not very much." That is the beauty of it! What may not be much to you adds up to everything in another person's life. Once again, I thank you for your compassion in assisting us in this most wonderful endeavor as no man stands so tall as when he stoops to help a child.

Justin Dortch

President

Three Rivers

Shrine Club

Poplar Bluff, Mo.