TO THE EDITOR:

I recently stayed in Thomson for several days after my son's surgery. Because of his breathing problems it was necessary for him to stay with his grandmother and away from our home where we are undergoing renovations.

During my stay I ran into the grocery store at Wal-Mart to pick-up a loaf of bread and some milk for my mother and was amazed at the number of people from Washington purchasing their groceries in Thomson. At a time when the economic situation in Wilkes County is so unstable, it upset me to see so many shopping in McDuffie County.

I cannot encourage people enough to shop at home. Every dollar spent in another county is a dollar taken away from ours. As money is spent in area businesses it then trickles through the economy to other businesses and individuals through payment of bills, purchase of groceries, payment for dinner out in a local restaurant, salaries, etc. In addition to the "trickle down effect," sales tax monies benefit the counties in which they are raised.

If residents are buying groceries, supplies, gas, automobiles and more in other counties - those tax monies benefit other counties, not Wilkes.

I realize we are a small community and not everything is available here. I also know you'd be amazed at what is available here if you genuinely look. I understand the reasoning behind going to larger chain stores - merchandise is cheaper and there is a larger selection. I also believe in today's society where time and gas are at a premium, driving 60 miles round trip and taking an hour out of a busy schedule often ends up costing you much more than the pennies you save.

Another benefit of living in a small town is local merchants who pride themselves on customer service and are willing to special order items for you if they are not in current inventory - you can't get that kind of service in a larger city.

Every dollar does make a difference. Every dollar could be a job lost. Every dollar could be a shop closed. Every dollar could be tax funding needed by our school system. What you do does make a difference. Shop at home - shop Wilkes County! The local merchants appreciate your support.

CAROL McTIER (Mrs. McTier is president of the Washington-Wilkes Chamber of Commerce and owner of The Garden Party Flowers & Gifts.)