This letter is in response to those who would criticize the balloon release by the Department of Social Services held on Tuesday. Shame on you.

What have you done for a child lately? We admit that we will have to find a way to celebrate Child Abuse Month next year. We also realize that the environment is suffering from waste. But sitting around and blowing smoke does not help the air quality we face in Rowan County nor does it help a child.

Ask what have you done lately to help a child who needs a helping hand? Our staff works very hard to make sure that children we serve are safe and get the services they need. It is not fair to our staff to have people who sit at a keyboard and look for ways to be critical.

There is an adage that says “talk is cheap,” but action is result oriented. Make a call to see what you can do to make sure a child is safe and that a child gets support needed from all of us. It was staff who took the time to remember, reflect and to say to we remember and care about all of the children.

Those who are critical may have had good intentions, but that does nothing to help a child.

— DeeDee Wright

Salisbury

Editor’s note: Wright is chair of the Rowan County DSS board.