In response to the letter written by West Seattle resident Debbie Loop (Letters, Nov. 16).

I too, live and work and shop in West Seattle and I make it a point to spend my dollars in West Seattle for the greater good of the community. The result of this effort helps to contribute to the tax base, keeps and creates jobs in our community and makes West Seattle a vital and economically healthy place to live.

Ms. Loop speaks of her "disappointment" in receiving declinations from some Junction merchants when she was soliciting donations for her school auction. In fact, Ms. Loop goes so far as singling out three merchants in particular who did not respond positively to her request for a donation.

Hold the phone!

Like everybody else, our Junction area merchants are trying to survive in a strained economy and they are trying to do so in a manner that does not suggest that they support singularly focused groups whose orientation may be politically, racially or religiously biased and thus, whose cause may not support the greater good of the entire community.

The obligation to support our community and its various charities does rest with each resident, but the manner in which that support is delivered is a personal and private decision. Where does one draw the line and how does one fairly disburse their charitable budget (be it dollars, merchandise or time) to best benefit the local community? Is one charity or community cause more worthy than another?

It is inaccurate, unfair and unprofessional for Ms. Loop to imply that Junction area merchants have any obligation whatsoever to support the auction being held by her private school. Isn't the support of this cause the obligation of the congregation and the parents?

I've shopped at the stores that Ms. Loop names in her letter and I will continue to do so. Each of these merchants proudly displays certificates of appreciation from local area charities and each makes visible contributions to the Junction and to the community.

More to the point, how many dollars will downtown area merchants be returning to West Seattle when Ms. Loop goes huffing off to downtown Seattle to do "all her Christmas shopping?"

Monica Mulligan

Arbor Heights