DEAR ABBY: My 5-year-old daughter, Penny, is in a gifted children's class in public school. She has a classmate, Randy, who is a handsome, kind little fellow, but Penny says that no one likes him because he is dirty. She says he wears the same dirty jeans and T-shirt, his tennis shoes are holey, the laces untied, he never wears socks or underwear and he could really use a bath.
I told her that we like or dislike people because of the way they behave, not the way they dress, the color of their skin, the way they wear their hair, or what church they go or don't go to.
Penny likes Randy and has become his friend. (She's the only friend he has.)
I've considered writing Randy's mother a note telling her in a nice way that her son is being discriminated against because of his neglected appearance. I've also considered buying the boy some new clothes and underwear. Or should I just mind my own business? Maybe you have a suggestion on how to help Randy. -- OPEN FOR SUGGESTIONS
DEAR OPEN: Because you know nothing about Randy's home life (he may not even have a mother), express your concern to Randy's teacher. A child who comes to school dirty, ill-clad and so obviously neglected needs help. School authorities are in close touch with agencies that provide assistance to abused and neglected youngsters. A child in need is everybody's business. Thank you for caring.