Mailbag:

Thank you for publishing Pat McCully’s letter last week (“Hopefully there’s more kindness in Huntington,” Mailbag, June 11). She is a true Huntington Beach hero.

She single-handedly began Circulo de Amigas, a vibrant community center in Jinotega, Nicaragua, 20 years ago.

Now it runs with the support of donors and sponsors from the United States. The center serves many needs in this very poor barrio on the edge of town.

It is a lifeline for more than 100 girls who have their education sponsored. Donors help pay for the salaries of the Nicaraguan staff.

Three years ago, while still in high school, my sister, Kirby, organized the library and trained the librarian there.

The small library is now the only lending library in the northern part of the country.

It is the only means for these impoverished people to have access to print material. The librarian also teaches computer classes. The library is a tremendously valuable community resource giving knowledge and hope to these hard-working people.

This economic downturn has made it difficult to raise funds to continue our library. I am worried that the librarian, who supports her two sons and disabled husband on $250 per month, may be laid off.

Please, if there is anyone who can help support our librarian and the library, contact Pat McCully at (714) 962-6136 or pmccully@juno.com.

Editor’s note: McCord is the secretary and student liaison for Circulo de Amigas.

These columnists are naturals

I am writing to express appreciation for the column written by Lou Murray and Vic Leipzig (Natural Perspectives). It is always informative and usually introduces me to new ideas. Their wide range of interests and travels provides a window on our environment and the various ways in which humans interact with our surroundings. Please do keep the columns coming!