Getting Involved : ‘Ruby Ross and I Have a Common Bond’

This Christmas I wanted to do something different. Then I read about Ruby Ross (Voices, Dec. 7). Here is a woman who, in spite of the odds, is committed to making a difference in the lives of her children and her community. And that is where she and I have a common bond. As the public policy director for the Junior League of Los Angeles and as a mother, I, too, am committed to making our community a better place.

After speaking with Ruby Ross on the phone, I realized that her family needed more than I, as an individual, could do for her. I then called each of my committee chairwomen and, without hesitation, they each agreed to contribute clothing and toys to this family. On the morning before Christmas, I and my daughter and my fellow League member and friend Rebecca Wurzburger and her son loaded up my van with gift packages and headed to South Los Angeles.

Why did we really do this? Because we see in this woman a person who, against the many odds in her own community, is determined to steer herself and her children in a positive direction. She is determined to become a positive force for change through voter registration drives. She believes strongly that as adults we must show our children that we have some sense ourselves.

As we were leaving, she handed me a Christmas package from her to us. Inside were several handmade items. I will see Ruby again, I am sure. Why? Because in spite of our differences she and I are very much the same. And that tells me there are many more people like us in this city. For those of us who can, we must make 1993 a year in which we choose to make a difference in this city. Together we can.