The year 2020 has been a trying time for most of us, with COVID-19 running rampant, among other things.

We must never forget about the homeless and the less fortunate. The weather is about to get cold and most of them do not have the necessities that we take for granted. They are human beings who also deserve to live a fulfilling life and not be forgotten.

Elected officials need to remember them when the budget is drawn up. Lip service is all well and good, but action speaks louder than words.

I know we can’t help everyone, but during this crisis we can do more than we are doing. Many of us do not realize we are one or two checks away from also falling into this category. We, too, would be asking for assistance.

Thanks to the various ministries, churches and nonprofit organizations that distribute food and necessities on a regular basis. This helps out a whole lot. Many volunteers are taking food boxes to those who are in need or are incapacitated. There is so much that we can do if everyone would lend a helping hand.

I will never forget the time when I was walking, I kept seeing a man walking down the train tracks. He appeared to be homeless. I stopped him one day and asked what could I do to make life a little better for him. He simply replied if I could bring him a turkey sandwich with the trimmings, he would be so grateful.

This encounter occurred around Thanksgiving.

Needless to say, I kept thinking about him. So I left my house with the sandwich in hand, but I never saw him again. I often wondered what became of him.

These people need our assistance and should never be forgotten.

Thanks to all who already are helping and to those who will help in the future to improve the quality of life for the unfortunate, which they so richly deserve.

ERNEST PARKER JR.

Richmond