there was a similar undertaking by youths from various church groups who came to Wilmington for a week and performed similar services. I believe that group was significantly larger; perhaps 200 to 300; and they actually slept on the gym floor of an area high school.

I noted, then, two items.

1. Why can'nt residents in public housing projects, who are physicaly able, perform similar work. Sort of a pay back to the taxpayers who fund their hosuing subsidies. I suggested the Housing Authority might team up with WAVE in order to provide transportation.

2. I also questioned why local Wilmington youths can not undertake similar projects. If they do, it fails to attract media attention. It would seem, though, doing some good deeds would go far in building self esteem and giving them something to do during the summer months.

To date, and I think it has been 4 weeks, no response.

It's pretty pitiful when out of town youth come to Wilmington to lend a helping hand while local residents and youths, many of whom receive some sort of public support, can not pay back through putting in some sweat and labor.

And we wonder why things don't change?