To the editor:

It’s a little early for a Valentine, but we just have to say how much we love the South Whidbey community for its generosity. Again and again we have dunned you at the Clyde Theatre for one worthy cause or another, and again and again you, our patrons and friends, have stepped up to the plate.

Currently we’ve been asking for gently used athletic shoes for the people of Senegal, as well as donations to three organizations working in Haiti for the long haul: Heifer International, Habitat for Humanity International and Partners in Health.

A week ago we issued the Clyde Haiti Challenge to collect others willing to join the Clyde, Lindsay Communications and Island Athletic Club in matching our patron donations up to $500. Thanks to the competitive athletes of Downsound Racers for providing not one but three matches, as well as to Langley Harbor Development Company and three anonymous couples for helping us turn every donated dollar into ten. If you, or your business, church, organization or neighborhood would like to become a Clyde Haiti Challenge Match Partner, please contact us at info@theclyde.net.

We have to acknowledge the kind hearts of our patrons as well. Some nights they have actually been lined up at the snack bar after the show waiting for their chance to stuff some money in the Magic Change Jar. We’re willing to bet that by the time this drive ends on Feb. 28, our patrons will have given enough extra to become their own match partner.

And thanks, of course, to Brian Kelly and the staff of the South Whidbey Record, who make sure we all always know about the good things going on here as well as the troubling.

Lynn and Blake Willeford

Langley