To the editor:

I was concerned to read the letter about the 10 year old whose bike was stolen and I sincerely hope her son will get his bike back.

I encounter many people who collect bottles and cans. Many of them receive as little as $610 a month from welfare and must go 'binning' in order to afford rent or feed themselves.

Though some have had difficulties with the law, most wouldn't think to steal a bike. I am constantly amazed by their generosity and kindness to others, not the least of which is that they tell others about our outreach program, rather than just keeping a good thing for themselves.

I empathize with the mother of the boy. I am sure, like me, she is trying to raise her children with a sense of right and wrong, as well as to be compassionate and not to judge people.

I also had my bike stolen from the bike rack where I work. My own children wondered out loud if it could have been stolen by "someone you help" at the downtown church where I am a minister.

I told them that I choose not to think so, and instead I used it as an opportunity to talk about the values of honesty, respect for self and others, and caring for people in our community who don't have enough.

Cheryl Perry, 琉璃神社