To the Editor:

Our local Wal-Mart and its affiliates around the nation, proclaim that they help with various charities in the community.

I see it in writing, but I am not literally seeing it in Selma. Wal-Mart, at one time, allowed various charities to collect items outside of their stores to benefit those in the local community.

Our church contacted Wal-Mart store No. 700 here in Selma, seeking permission to have a Food Drive for the needy in our area.

We have been able to this before and were very thankful/successful!

However, we have been told that this is no longer allowed by Wal-Mart!

My question is … WHY?

We live in this community. We spend our money in YOUR store, which is in this community! Yet, the people of this community do not seem very important if they are in need!

How long would you remain open if the people of the community supported you as much as you support them??? Not very long, I am sure.

Remember, it is ALL people that keep your business open and flourishing. I would think you could return the same respect to us, the community of Selma!

In closing, I would like to quote Matthew 25:34-40, Jesus says, “Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me. Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'”

Sheila Jenkins