As a long-time volunteer at New Life, I feel compelled to respond to the article that appeared in the Oct. 11 issue of the Cape Gazette. I worked there with Dutch Kelly, Jerry Peregoy, Gene King and his wife Emma for many years before I quit this past summer.
In his letter of Oct. 11, Gene King raised many questions, one of which was, “Would anyone care if the store no longer existed?” My response is an overwhelming “yes.” Just ask the people who benefit from what it offers.
Here is a thrift shop that took in well over a half-million dollars last year, staffed by many dedicated volunteers with limited support from the Lewes-Rehoboth Association of Churches. After expenses, all profits were turned over to LRAC for distribution to various charities throughout Sussex County.
Can you imagine any person or business, the recipient of a gift of $557,000 last year, saying "we don't need you any more?" Are the donors, volunteers and customers being treated fairly?
It is my hope and prayer that New Life does not close but stays open with volunteers only.
Murray Barger
Lewes
-
A letter to the editor expresses a reader's opinion and, as such, is not reflective of the editorial opinions of this newspaper.
To submit a letter to the editor for publishing, send an email to newsroom@capegazette.com. Letters must be signed and include a telephone number and address for verification. Please keep letters to 500 words or fewer. We reserve the right to edit for content and length. Letters should be responsive to issues addressed in the Cape Gazette rather than content from other publications or media. Only one letter per author will be published every 30 days. Letters restating information and opinions already offered by the same author will not be used. Letters must focus on issues of general, local concern, not personalities or specific businesses.
