To the editor:

It’s Monday morning, Aug. 12, 7:30 a.m. Our family had spent considerable time putting together items we wanted to donate to the Vietnam veterans. Our husband and father had been a veteran so our donations to that organization are very important to us. 

Some of the items to donate included furniture, three bags of clothing, electronics, and kitchen items. All items, bags and boxes were clearly marked “Vietnam Veterans” or “VVA.” Pickup time was arranged with the VVA to be from 7:30 a.m. on. 

When I returned home from a short errand I noticed that a good portion of the items were gone. Asking neighbors if they had any knowledge of the cause of the disappearance did not shed light on the mystery.

I was puzzled and upset. How can people steal what was donated to our veterans? Many of them gave their lives, some their psychological and emotional well-being, and many volunteered to fight for the freedom of our country.

Is this how we respect their sacrifice?

Sigrid Ruggiero

Barrington