This is to the very few yet very loud protesters to the charitable event recently for the Harrell family. First, that family "Never" asked for a single penny from anyone. They are nothing but humbled by the deeds of this community. Instead of being proud of your fellow man (& woman) you individuals choose to put a damper on a wonderful situation. I and everyone else involved realize that this family was by far from being the most needy in southern Indiana, yet they are the ones that Oprah chose to make an example of, in a positive way. I suppose Shelly could have immediately taken the check and distributed it amongst other needy families, but that wasn't what the "donor" directed her to do. Instead, she stepped up and with the help of friends showed what this area is made of, amazing people who will give all that they have and some even more. I guess you think that the little girl that brought in her piggy bank full of change was only thinking of herself and her ego. People that were laid-off from GM stopped by and dropped off donations.
Visteon employees gave, even though we know what they are going through. And then there are the Big Businesses, eg. Lowes, Sears, etc. - guess what? They are going to make their Billions this year if they gave to this family or not. I believe that any donations that corporations give should be appreciated and accepted graciously.
Finally, to anyone who has had terrible events befall them, I am sorry and truly wish you better fortunes in the future. If no one stepped up for you in your time of need, I suggest you look closely at your circle of friends. Because that is what happened here. Someone didn't just say the obligatory, "let me know if there is anything that I can do, yadda yadda yadda"! As most of the time this is just meaningless drivel. But this time there was action taken, not just words spoken. I am sure that there were people involved for wrong reasons, but at least they were involved. We are imperfect human beings with a touch of greed, ego and pride. All we can do is our best. I, for one, am tremendously proud of my hometown, Bedford Indiana.

It seems that people's complaints are mainly falling into two categories:

• They aren't needy enough
• Oprah is evil

To the people who say the Harrell family were not needy enough: I ask, why were there no letters written about the "needier" families? Shelley wrote a good letter, presenting a good story to Oprah, and it got a reaction. If they think there are families more in need in the area, they should be trying to champion their cause to raise money on their behalf.

Sometimes it takes an outside force like a check from Oprah to get the ball rolling. There will always be people who try to glom on to the bandwagon for publicity, but should anyone really feel bad about helping out? Or for being helped?

If someone here in town gave even $1,000 (or even less) to a needy family, and managed to get it publicized as part of a fund drive, it would have a reaction. Maybe not a $135,000 reaction, but something is better than nothing for those in need.

As for the people who say Oprah is evil, I can't really argue too much with that one. She does a lot of good, but I get the impression that a lot of it helps her make even more money instead of being out of the kindness of her own heart. She gives a lot and somehow keeps making millions upon millions of dollars.

Helping others in your community is a good thing! People should do it more often, especially when the eyes of the world are not watching.