When I was a child, every Sunday after Mass those of us who could would leave a dime and a can of food on the altar. After everyone had left the church, Father Bennett would collect our gifts and quietly distribute them to those in need.

This memory comes to life as I see Manhasset reaching out to help our September 11 families.

While we appear to be an affluent community, we know there is, in fact, tremendous need among some of these families. Only as a community, through the combined giving of all of us, can we hope to relieve some of the financial pressures they are facing. These are our friends and neighbors, people who should be able to count on us in a time of need.

I thank everyone who has already given to the Friends and Neighbors Trust and urge everyone else to send a check as soon as possible.

I am proud to be a part of this community. It is by helping each other through this terrible time that we give meaning to the words "United We Stand."

Christine P. Mucci