FRANKLIN'S HEART HELPS NEEDY PEOPLE

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, January 4, 1992                   TAG: 9201060186
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-9   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short
FRANKLIN'S HEART HELPS NEEDY PEOPLE
"I'M NOT for giving something away." I thank the Lord that Hubert L. Quinn's words (news story, Dec. 14) do not come from the heart of Franklin County.
Three months ago I met with the head of Social Services and a representative of Support to Eliminate Poverty to plan how I, a volunteer and Home Extension member, could fill the void left when cuts in state spending eliminated the social-service position that had always coordinated the county's Toy Drive and Angel Tree program.
At least once a week since mid-October, I visited both agencies to pick up applications of needy families, and my phone rang more in recent weeks than in the 18 years we've lived in the county. It was the givers calling, and as a result, extension members sorted and handed out toys and clothing to more than 700 children before Christmas.
I've gained new insights into the work of both agencies, but have often wished they were closer together. I am pleased to see that is the goal of their leaders. Should our county government spend money to help reach that goal? Why not? Isn't meeting the needs of people the purpose of government? WANDA GAILLARD WIRTZ

by Archana Subramaniam by CNB