In the article about the Growth Committee in Thursday’s newspaper, it was mentioned that the committee voted for a bylaw barring the public from its subcommittee meetings. Is this a committee that decides the growth and development for the city of Clovis and its citizens? Who are these people who believe they can decide what is best for everyone? It’s just like when the City Commission decided an event center was in the public’s best interest. Here’s an idea: If city leaders want to know what is in the best interest of the public, they should ask the public. I promise the public will tell them. Major decisions should not be left to people who only want their name on a plaque. Joel Gershon Clovis Food bank needs citizens’ help Regarding Thursday’s article about Eastern New Mexico Food Bank’s food shortage: I spoke with the food bank on Friday morning, and they tell me they usually get large quantities of food from the government through a central food bank in Albuquerque; that delivery did not come through this year. The bank distributes food to needy families throughout Eastern New Mexico, and they may be unable to meet the need without our help. The bank desperately needs staples (powdered milk, spaghetti, spaghetti sauce, canned vegetables, rice). I challenge my friends and neighbors to give all they can. The bank is located at 2217 E. Brady in Clovis, and their hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. As we move into the new year, please remember that people eat 365 days a year; therefore, we should be mindful of the need all year. Gillian F. Andersen Portales Volunteers made holiday meal possible For the past several years, The Salvation Army has been the lone ranger in making the community Thanksgiving dinner happen. Last year, through our association with the Ministerial Alliance in Clovis, a collaborative plan was conceived. The Salvation Army would continue to sponsor, coordinate and serve the dinner, The Lighthouse Mission would cook the meal and host the event, Matt. 25 would coordinate the delivery of the “Meals on Wheels” portion and the Ministerial Alliance would provide the bulk of the funds to purchase the food. This was the second year we have worked in collaboration with these other entities, and it has proven to be a wonderful success. This year 159 meals were delivered to home-bound individuals in our community, another 150 people came to The Lighthouse and shared their Thanksgiving with all of us. More than 150 individuals volunteered their time and energy cooking, cleaning, serving, driving, delivering and bringing light and laughter to people in our community who may have gone without during the holiday. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank all of those who made this year’s community Thanksgiving dinner happen — for their time and financial contributions, but most of all for their thoughts and prayers. Capts. Kevin and Tammy Ray The Salvation Army