Good news story about trucking firm and other letters...

Good news story about trucking firm

Do you ever get tired of news that is always bad? Please take a moment and read a good news story from right here in Yuma.

On Dec. 7, Bob Hansen, 41 years old and a cerebral palsy victim since birth with no use of his legs, was riding his scooter across 4th Avenue when an LA-Yuma truck turned into his path and smashed his scooter..

Bob was all right after the accident and no citations were issued, but he had lost his only form of transportation to the grocery and drug stores that he and his wife depended on almost daily.

Don Washum, owner of LA-Yuma Freight here, called his insurance carrier and expedited a process that could have taken months and made sure that Bob and his wife would have the money needed to buy a new scooter in less than a month.

This is just one example of someone doing what is right and not simply waiting on a far-removed insurance company to take their time to ultimately pay the very minimum required. I want to thank Don Washum and best wishes to him and his company for a much-needed delivery which was noticeably ahead of schedule

RON ASHERFELTER

Yuma

Generosity helped victims of abuse

This community has provided financial and emotional support to the victims who come to Amberly's Place. The agency has some accountability to this community to report to them what we have done with the support they have offered to us.

This Christmas we were able to provide a complete Christmas to 37 families, while 119 children and teens were provided with gifts. This was made possible in part by an anonymous donation of $1,000, as well as support from the Nakasawa Farms adopting a complete family.

The Oak Tree and More held the second annual toy drive and then went the extra mile in sponsoring a commercial with help of the charming Sidney Williams and her smiling announcement "Kids Need Toys." The toy box was filled many times. However, we still found ourselves with more needs then ways to fill them. This is when Bobby's Territorial Harley-Davidson delivered a truck full of toys to the center. We could not have been happier if it had been Santa himself.

Rick Gittins included children from Amberly's Place in his bike giveaway, which put smiles on even more children's faces.

Many people from the community brought in toys, food and blankets for the victims. The support was overwhelming and so appreciated. We were able to provide for all the Christmas needs of our victims and we even have a few things left to help us with the new year.

Each act of kindness lifts the spirit and empowers the victims we serve. Last calendar year we provided services to 1,500 primary and secondary victims of abuse. Thousands of lives have been touched by the support of this community. Thank you for caring about others and giving the staff of Amberly's Place a Christmas to remember.

DIANE UMPHRESS

Executive Director

Amberly's Place

Yuma

Pet contest effort much appreciated

The Sun's Newspapers in Education program had the awards for the "How Cute is Your Pet Contest" in which my dog Cindy took first place. This letter is to say "thank you" to The Sun and all the persons involved in the contest.

A special thanks goes to Bob Roeser, Karen Phillips and Dee Leonard, who helped set up everything for the awards, and all the time everyone spent on doing the whole contest. Every pet was outstanding.

Again, thank all of you for a job well done.

PHIL SCHRIER

Yuma

Thoughtful couple returned Christmas gift

I want to thank Mr. and Mrs. Gene Miles, winter residents of Country Roads, for taking time to write a note and leave it on our windshield wiper blade. They spotted a gold birthstone ring on the ground under our car by the movie theater and thought perhaps it could be ours.

My 15-year-old niece, visiting from Kansas City, had inadvertently dropped her precious Christmas gift on the ground and not noticed. The couple took time to attempt to locate the owner of the ring and thus saved a little girl's Christmas vacation from being saddened. Thank you for your kindness!

DEB HEDRICK

Yuma

Hospital staff is the greatest

I just got out of the hospital and I want them to know how much of an outstanding job they are doing. They are dedicated to their jobs and even with their 12-hour shifts their performance is excellent.

I live here year-round and going into the hospital scares me, but not this time. I wanted to say thanks to all on the 2nd Floor East medical staff, including Deb, Marion, Joe, Lynette and Johanna, and to the doctors and just to all the hospital staff from the emergency room to 2nd Floor. They are the greatest.

ELIZABETH FRANCIS

Yuma