Letter to the editor: Responders, community did so much for accident victims

I would like to express my deep appreciation for The Jamestown Sun’s coverage of the Dec. 26 traffic accident in Jamestown that involved several members from our parish. We have received overwhelming support in the form of prayers, calls, letters and donations not only from our parishioners, but also from communities such as yours. I am humbled at the outpouring of loves and financial support for all those affected by this tragedy.

I also wanted to let you, and your readers, know that the funds we have received at Sacred Heart have been used to assist the families in returning their loved ones to their homes in El Salvador and Mexico, and with funeral and burial expenses for the three families here at Sacred Heart.

Also, I want to express my gratitude to those individuals who responded to the accident. I know that this was not easy for them. Please extend our thanks to the police, sheriff’s department, firefighters, ambulance crew and all others for their efforts in caring for the six men.

We received a call from a young lady who was one of the first people on the scene. She wanted to let us know that she had seen the accident, and that the two men who were still alive were not alone. This gave great comfort to all the families.

We want to say thanks so very much to the funeral homes that were involved in returning the men to El Salvador and Mexico. We know they have worked so hard to get the necessary documents processed to return them to their homes outside the country.

In addition, we would like the driver of the truck involved in the accident to know that I, and all our parishioners, are praying for him and that he has a quick and full recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family at this time.

I hope that I have not overlooked or omitted any person or organization that assisted in any way. If I have, I am truly sorry but again want to express my profound gratitude, as well as that of the families, for the compassion and love that was shown to those involved in this horrible accident.

Navalo is pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Springfield.

Tags: opinion, letters, accident