Agencies’ Use of Vans to End

* Your article “Community Groups’ Free Use of Vans to End” (Dec. 10) clearly shows why the vast majority of children and adults who rely on nonprofit organizations for assistance never seem to grow beyond needing government or charitable aid. The leaders of these organizations criticize the corporations for not donating the vans after the agreement clearly stated a 12-month loan program. Why didn’t these groups organize fund-raising projects throughout the year? The children, parents and homeless would have gained a sense of community, developed a sense of accomplishment and earned money together. Learning responsibility empowers people to go forward, rather than wasting a lifetime demanding the next handout.

With earned money in hand the leaders could have negotiated with the corporations for a lower selling price, or perhaps extending the loan for another year to allow more money to be earned toward purchase of the vans.

I am personally appalled that the generosity of these corporations is being criticized. It is absolutely mandatory that we begin teaching the next generation to take responsibility for their own future. Short-term assistance should always be available--but not as a way of life.

PENNY GRIFFITH

Los Angeles

* When General Motors and its subsidiary, Hughes Aircraft Co., reaped the publicity bonanza from their offer of 100 vans for use by inner-city organizations in need of transportation for their kids, the publicity release of July, 1992, omitted any mention that GM-Hughes would reclaim the vans unless these cash-starved organizations would pop for the money to buy them after one year.

OK. So they’re taking back the vans. Big deal. They got the publicity and the kids used the vans for a year. So everyone is six, two and even. Right?

Wrong! GM and Hughes are still cloaked in the glory of their gesture and are probably still enjoying the benefits of the tax breaks they took from the rest of us taxpayers as a reward for their short-lived generosity. The kids, meanwhile, were treated to a glimpse of the larger world they are struggling to join, and 12 months later, had it snatched from them.

BUD BLITZER

Los Angeles