by Bob Stealey

EDITOR

Mary Ann Froman of Bridgeport, who was chairman of the Harrison County Cancer Society's 23rd annual Daffodil Days campaign to raise money for patient services, research and public education, told me last week that society workers and about 70 volunteers at various locations helped to raise in excess of $14,500 this year.

"Last year, we raised $12,000, so that's an increase of $2,500 from 2000," she said. That's an increase of nearly 21 percent.

I was first contacted about the project by Connie Poling of Clarksburg, who provided much assistance with the preparations for the event.

There were numerous locations where Harrison County residents were able to purchase daffodils. Daffodil delivery took place the week of March 11, with the flowers for sale at the various sites. Daffodil Sunday took place March 18. Churches were decorated with the flowers that were purchased in memory of loved ones.

A Sunday "Hometown" cover feature quoted Carla Shultz, assistant communications director for the North Central West Virginia office of the American Cancer Society, as saying the Daffodil Days idea was originally initiated by the Canadian Cancer Society and was picked up by the American Cancer Society in New York in 1970.

My appreciation goes to Mrs. Froman and Mrs. Poling for bringing this to our attention.

Less than a year ago, the Salvation Army moved its Social Services/Administrative offices out of the church building into another facility nearby, where the "Army" felt it could better serve the public.

I received a note from an individual involved in the Salvation Army's outreach to people in need. It stated that while officers and limited staff are busy trying to be of service to "others," items in the foyer and waiting area have come up missing.

With the writer of the note, I must agree: "What need would someone have for the Salvation Army's Mission Statement plaque that they would take it off the wall? Then down comes the cross, with a verse on it, "While He Was On The Cross, You Were On His Mind."

Prayers certainly go out to the individual who has the cross in his or her possession that the individual would come to know the value of the true Cross.

The writer continued: "A statement -- with a sense of humor -- was made by one staff member to the other, 'Jesus is moving closer to the door,' referring to a statue of Christ with little children that had been sitting on a table in the foyer. Then, a short time later, the statue made it out the door.

Sadly, it has come to the point that an inventory is being made on a daily basis at the Salvation Army. What could be next? Having to escort people to the door? Or perhaps saying, 'Smile, you're on candid camera?' Think about it.

Confession is good for the soul!

Exponent and Telegram Editor Bob Stealey can be reached by phone at (304) 626-1438, or by e-mail at rstealey@exponent-telegram.com.