“Minnesota Nice” is a phrase mentioned often around the country. In general, Minnesota people are warm, friendly, and generous. We have learned through experience there is a very real phrase that ought to be added: “Staples Nice.”

On March 27, our home and most of its contents were destroyed by a fire. Starting over from scratch at ages 78 and 80 is an overwhelming task.

But the Staples Motley area people responded in an equally overwhelming measure. We moved into a nice apartment at Lakewood Manor (formerly the Mary Rondorf Home).

But it was bare. We didn’t have so much as a knife or fork. But thanks to the organizing efforts of Marge Lelwica and Gail Honek, along with the spontaneous generosity of others, we received money, furniture, clothing, bedding, pots, pans, silverware and many other items we use every day but never realize we need. That generosity is helping us to make a go of it.

Eventually, we intend to send personal thank you notes to everyone who helped us. However, in the enormous trauma of the experience, we know we will miss some. We hope this letter will in part indicate our appreciation. We will be praying regularly for all those who have helped us.

We are fortunate and happy to be part of a community of such wonderful people.
Hap and Doris Corbett
Staples, Minn.