Celebrate And Remember
To The Editor:

This is the time of year to celebrate with friends and families, for gift giving and family get-togethers, a time to reflect on our lives and assess our future goals. It is also a period when we must not forget about those less fortunate, and those whose futures may seem less bright.

In America we are facing a crippling subprime crisis that has forced many homeowners to lose their homes and their livelihoods. Queens in particular is confronting the harshest numbers in our area, particularly in Jamaica. What we are reading about daily on a national level is affecting many of our neighbors and friends.

Locally, our elected officials have worked to help New Yorkers-this past week Mayor Bloomberg announced the creation of a non-profit organization to help-but Washington needs to do more, and appears to be stepping up.

On Thursday, President [George W.] Bush announced a voluntary plan to freeze interest rates for some borrowers faced with foreclosure. While this isn't a panacea, it does provide a measure of assistance. The President's plan would allow certain borrowers faced with an increase in their interest rates to be permitted to retain their current mortgage payments for a grace period of five years. Those borrowers would need to show they wouldn't be able to make payments based on the higher rates.

Overall, the aim isn't just to help homeowners but to steady a shaky economy. In this city, that is important. It appears as if every day we learn of yet another price hike for goods we deem necessary to survive.

Consider how many families are now faced with the challenge of putting food on the table or paying their mortgage.

When the mayor announced his initiative, officials indicated the new office could help as many as 18,000 people each year. Those are 18,000 of our friends, family members and co-workers who are trying to live the American dream like we are. We owe it to them and to ourselves in the spirit of giving to find a way-no matter how small-that we can assist.

And as many of us go shopping this season to purchase gifts for loved ones, consider those that are not as fortunate. We are all in this together, and we should consider how we can touch another person's life, so that perhaps they will keep their home for the holidays.

Alfonso Quiroz Jackson Heights