Source: Chicago Tribune (IL) Section: Sec. 1 Contact: http://www.chicago.tribune.com/ Pubdate: 3 Oct 1998 Author: Luz Santiago PROTECTING THE KIDS CHICAGO -- The 7-year-old in "Family mourns a young life lost" (Metro, Sept. 25) is one of many who have died or been caught by gang cross-fire every other day on the streets of Humboldt Park. There is gang and drug activity practically on every corner of the Humboldt Park area. I grew up in the Humboldt Park area, and have seen so many innocent and not-so-innocent kids perish because of the gangs and drugs. The residents in the area are used to the drive-by shootings that occur at all hours of the night and day. It becomes part of their daily lives. I implore the Chicago Police to put more patrols in the streets of the Humboldt Park area. Protect the children--they are our future. Luz Santiago - --- Checked-by: Rich O'Grady