Our readers are No. 1

Readers of the Thousand Oaks Acorn are the greatest people in the world. You proved it again when we told you last week the sad story of Larry Mack, 73.

Mack, the owner of a fishing tackle store in T.O. at 664 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., was down on his luck. His business was already fading away, and the landlord was demanding a 30 percent increase in rent.

Mack had nowhere to go and was living in the back of his shop with his dog, Scubbers. Mack wasn't sure of anything, except that he was a proud man who didn't like handouts or welfare programs.

He swallowed some of that pride, however, when Acorn readers went to his aid. Some of you refused his courteous "no, thank you" when you offered him money and other forms of help.

Most rewarding to Mack was the offer of a job by a company that launches fishing boats. The anglers who take half- or full-day fishing excursions often rent fishing gear from the host.

Fishing reels, especially deep sea rigs, are expensive and require occasional repair and maintenance. Mack knows how to fix them. He was offered a job.

That's because somebody read about him in the Acorn. A checking account has been opened in his name for those who would like to make a donation. Send checks made out to Larry Mack to Santa Barbara Bank and Trust, 101 N. Westlake Blvd., Westlake Village, CA 91362.

Hopefully, Mack can come to grips with his reluctance to accept the help of concerned citizens. It makes no difference who you are--if you're eligible for government assistance, please accept it.

All of us pay taxes. Part of the reason is to help those in need. We help others in the hope that others will remember us when we need it.

Acorn readers, too, have remembered Larry Mack. You've tried to help him get back on his feet.

Thank you for being who you are: the greatest people in the world.