By Patrick McHenry

I recently had the privilege to participate in the local United Way tele-a-thon. I was asked to participate in this event by Sandi Rossi (director of the local United Way), a true professional and community treasure. Her request was easily granted because of my awareness and working relationship with many of the organizations under the United Way umbrella.

The citizens living in Crawford County have a very strong sense of community. We continue to give generously to promote the education and morality of our young citizens, and to support community organizations who help others in need. Meals, medical care, refuge, counseling, education and freedom are all things made possible by local donations — donations effectively spent right here Crawford County.

There has been much publicity about health care lately. However, local contributions to the United Way have helped to provide health care to others for years. The Meadville Free Clinic and the Community Health Care Services program do so without fanfare or debate. Contributions permit the Northwest Pennsylvania Cleft Palate Institute to provide for the restoration of physical and communicational skills of children suffering from various craniofacial anomalies. Persons dying from a terminal disease are given support that allows them to pass with dignity. Home health care is provided by supporting the Visiting Nurses Association.

Contributions to the United Way also support the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, organizations that teach morality and a sense of community to our younger citizens. If you cannot read, you cannot function in our society. The Crawford County READ Program reduces illiteracy with donations given to the United Way.

Government is not the answer. Through experience, I have learned that no matter how noble the original intent, taxes collected to support government programs are always gobbled up by the governmental bureaucracies formed to administer the programs.

The major portion of donations to the local United Way are used to support programs that benefit Crawford County communities and families. There is more. Because contributions are tax-deductible, we get to reduce the income tax we “voluntarily” pay to the federal government.

The United Way of Western Crawford County has reached one-quarter of its goal. Please help. Anything you can afford in these tough times will support a great organization and many valuable “local” programs.

McHenry, a Saegertown resident, is Crawford County coroner.