To The Editor
From: Bob Loring, Toys for Tots of East Pasco
Date: April 10, 2006
Subject: Tampa Tribune article,
“Join The Fight”

I was intrigued by the March 26 Tribune article, "Edwards Sees Political Future in Poverty Fight." As the head elf of East Pasco Toys for Tots, I have a ringside seat watching poverty proliferate in central and east Pasco. I agree with the former senator and vice presidential candidate about the urgent need to understand and address this growing problem.

I applaud his efforts in forming the Center on Poverty, Work and Opportunity at the University of North Carolina. They bring together the best and brightest scholars and many other concerned leaders.

The negative effect of globalization on our work force, both working poor and our middle class, is becoming more frightening each day. We cannot pick up a paper or see a news report without noting that our work force is being diminished while market prices continue to soar.

In Pasco, we also have begun to address this and other problems of the poor and poverty-bound children.

On June 21 at St Leo University, we shall convene our 5th Congress of The American Dream Practitioners. Each year, we call together hard-working child care practitioners, elected officials, educators, caring citizens, and, importantly, representatives from churches and businesses to join in appraising our current situation.

Our intent is to seek improved communication while also assessing the consequences of our work. Another common goal is to attempt to eliminate duplication of services. With the number of families living in abject poverty, we realize we will need to work smarter and not necessarily harder. We must stretch our limited resources to better serve these families.

Importantly, we must seek to partner with our church and business communities. This, we believe, is essential to us successfully facing enormous challenge. We invite citizens and organizations to join us. If you have any questions or would like to register, contact me at (352) 588-4230.

BOB LORING

Zephyrhills

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