Helicopter issue seems trivial

I do not find anything wrong or uncivil from Walter Backstrom’s column (Jan. 10) on Casey Treat or his helicopter.

If Mr. Treat wants to use a helicopter to better serve his parishioners, so be it. It is between him and the members of the church.

What I do find rather peculiar is how this is even a topic for discussion. The fact that Treat uses a helicopter, with the approval of his members, should come up for discussion only after the other problems with the clergy have been resolved, such as child molestation, adultery and infidelity, misrepresentation, etc.

Why not become as angry with some priest who is out there molesting altar boys, or with the church leadership that moves them from one area of the country to another, so as to supposedly solve the problem? The use of a helicopter once every one to two years is inconsequential to the other travesties that certain clergy and religious leaders tolerate and turn a blind eye to.

Let’s get the priorities straight and deal with the important issues that affect society as a whole.

Mike Jones

Auburn

Thank you, volunteers

I am writing to thank everyone in the Federal Way area who helped make this holiday season so incredible at the Multi-Service Center Food Bank.

Thanks to our amazing volunteers. Whether they have been volunteering for years or came for the first time this holiday season — you rock!

Thanks to the generous people of Federal Way. Your donations to our food and clothing banks and Christmas House have been overwhelming and appreciated. Some brought clothes and food, others came as individuals or groups to lend a hand with distribution, sorting, whatever needed to be done. You were all amazing and I can’t thank you enough.

Thanks to all the businesses who contributed toys, gifts, food and even sent some employees to help us in the food bank during our distribution days. All of you from major retailers to small locally owned shops — everyone went way above and beyond our expectations. Thanks so much.

Finally I would like to thank all the employees of the Multi-Service Center. The food bank tried to remain open even during the worst of the weather. When the agency was closed, staff came in to volunteer their time when it would have been easier to stay home, warm and dry. Thanks for all you do for your community.

Terri Turner,

Multi-Service Center, food and clothing bank supervisor