Reader is judged for going to food drive with nice car

Dear Annie: It’s horrible to be judged. Here is my story: I am fortunate to have a nice car. This vehicle is my first new vehicle after 15 years of saving. From my additional savings, I am able to provide to others and deliver the items they need. I also have friends who do not have transportation to get from food drives and other similar places.

When the schools closed, my daughter and I packed up what we had in our pantry and dropped it off at her friend’s house, knowing that they would need food. I went to a school district food distribution to secure more food for them to drop off since they didn’t have transportation to get to the drive. While there, I got death stares and screamed at that I didn’t need free food because of my car! I’m fortunate to have a nice car, but I’m using it to deliver food to those who need it most. I’m also purchasing food, diapers and formula for churches to distribute. Do not judge if you don’t know the whole story.

Don’t Judge a Book by the Cover

Dear Don’t Judge a Book by the Cover: I’m sorry that you received such harsh judgment from others. In this world, unfortunately, there will always be people who judge or condemn others. However, there will also be people who forgive and love.

You are teaching your daughter to serve others, and your helping to provide food and essential supplies for those who need support is admirable. Doesn’t that make you feel good? Try to focus on the people you are serving and not the people who are judging, and you will be surprised at how quickly the judges fall by the wayside. It’s about a shift in where you draw your attention.

Dear Annie: We are certainly in challenging times. It sounds like COVID-19 will be with us for a long time. As a semiretired nurse, I think one of the greatest preventive measures is good hand hygiene. Unfortunately, often I see poor technique when using the alcohol hand sanitizers. Most people use one pump, rub their palms, back of hands, and between fingers but do not treat the fingertips.

Most of us touch our faces, particularly our eyes, with our fingertips. While the palm is still wet with sanitizer, rub the fingertips into the palm, with some sanitizer getting under the nails. Even better is washing with soap and water for 20 seconds, again paying attention to the fingertips. I think people have become very complacent with alcohol sanitizers, thinking they have cleaned their hands and not realizing that it was an incomplete action, perhaps not ridding them of this infectious virus.

I love your column, which brings so much helpful info and advice to many. Thank you for letting me share.

Old Nurse

Dear Old Nurse: I love your letter! Hearing from professionals on tips for proper hand-washing, and the use of alcohol sanitizers, always deserves a round of applause. Thank you for your reminder on how to properly protect against this virus, and many others, through proper sanitation techniques.

Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators. com. To find out more about Annie Lane and read features by other Creators Syndicate columnists and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.