Marion County Letters to the Editor: published May 27

Scout thanks leaders for their service
Dear Editor,
As a current member of (Boy Scout) Troop 748, I am writing to express my public appreciation of the adult leaders of our troop. Throughout my years of scouting, Drew Foil has been our scoutmaster. He has truly been dedicated and gives his time freely. He gives his week of summer vacation to go to camp with the troop. I am also appreciative to Dupree Atkinson, Danny Shelley, Dave Brooks, Bobby Page and Bruce Baker for the time they give to our scout troop. Scouting has been very important in my youth and would not have been possible without these men.
Sincerely,
Bradley George

Writer asks for support of efforts to research Autism fundraiser goal
Dear Editor,
On June 13, we will be walking in the Strides For Autism … Walks Across South Carolina in Myrtle Beach. Strides For Autism is an annual event that raises funds for the South Carolina Autism Society. The goals for each event are to raise $45,000 to provide for family support programs, promote awareness, and support South Carolina-based research. We would like to ask for your help to support this cause. We set a goal to raise $500 for the South Carolina Autism Society. If you would like to help us, please send a check to our team made payable to the South Carolina Autism Society Strides For Autism. Your donation is tax deductible and any amount you can contribute is greatly appreciated.
Donations payable to South Carolina Autism Society Strides for Autism can be mailed to: Jami Spivey, 1926 Old Corner Court, Marion, 29571.
We will be walking this year in honor of two of our family members. Ian, who was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome at age 9 and Joey, who was diagnosed with Autism at age 4. Since their diagnosis we have discovered there is so much to learn about Autism. Over 26,000 children and adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) live in South Carolina and one in every 150 births now is diagnosed with autism. All proceeds from Strides For Autism are used in South Carolina. For information about South Carolina Autism Society, please visit www.scautism.org. Help take strides against autism one step at a time.
Please remember all of those people you know who have been affected by autism and just how important you are in making a difference.
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
The Autism A-Team
Jami Spivey, Joe Brown Jr. and Frank & April Spivey

Mother seeks others who have issues with DSS
Dear Editor,
I am writing to you on behalf of my daughter who has been in foster care for two years. The Department of Social Services really needs to shape up.
They need to stop being “for” the ones who don’t seem to care and “against” the ones who work hard and try to do everything by the book. If there are others who think the system needs to be checked into by a higher authority, please notify me my mail. I cannot fight alone.
Even is you do not want to give your name or a return address, I would appreciate hearing from you.
Thank You,
Dawn Zurcher
6610 Blackwater Ct.
Mullins, 29574

Dillon County horses need new homes
Dear Editor,
Are there no horse lovers in Dillon County? How many abuse cases have to happen before someone steps up and helps? How many more have to suffer before the laws are changed? These photos (shown online at http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=bk6ptpi3.4azd4g0z&x=0&y=-ycg0ol&localeid=en_US) were taken (on May 20) from a home in Dillon County. There were warrants served and charges would be pressed if these poor horses were not turned over to the Sheriff in Dillon. There will be a court date. We need help ... We need foster homes! Donations! Vet assistance, wormers, feed whatever we can get. There are seven horses that are starving ... Please if there is anything you can do to help get the word out about this abuse, please do what you can do. The horses have been turned over and are in an undisclosed location. Contact Dillon County Sheriff Department, as well as Denise Hughes at (843) 210-7934 or (843) 385-3165.
D. Butler