To the Editor:

First, I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this year’s Franklin-Southampton Area United Way Campaign. Our goal is to raise $260,000.

It now looks like we will fall short of that. The problem is not just that we have failed to meet our goal, but that our community will suffer as a result.

Our agencies won’t receive the donations from us that they requested. So services will be cut and people will suffer. The Red Cross, Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, Boys Scouts, Girl Scouts and two dozen other agencies that provide services in the City of Franklin and Southampton County rely on the United Way to provide a good deal of their funding.

The good news is that it is not too late for you to help make a difference.

We can still meet our goal and help these agencies help people. Please consider writing a check to the United Way and mailing it to:

P.O. Box 366, Franklin, Va., 23851. You may also call 569-8929 to talk to Anne Bryant, our executive director, if you would like to know more. Thank you.

Frank Rickman

Franklin