To the editor:

Clinton, Essex and Franklin counties are great places to live, work and raise a family. I have been fortunate to be welcomed like family here and couldn’t imagine a better place to live. Part of what makes this area such a great place is the people; there is a great sense of community here, and people genuinely care about each other.

I have seen close up the various organizations that United Way supports: ACAP, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, JCEO, RSVP of Clinton, Essex and Franklin Counties, Literacy Volunteers, YMCA and the Senior Citizens Council, to name a few. Between myself, my family and my friends, we have received support from over five individual organizations that United Way supports.

I know that the economy on a national level is unsettled and we are all working tirelessly to keep our homes and businesses afloat in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, as one person once told me, a crisis is never scheduled. No one schedules to be out of work or to get sick. A youth does not wait until times are good to get involved in drugs or to need help with homework. Our senior citizens would prefer not to need Meals on Wheels. At times like we are in now is when the services of a lot of the programs we support are needed most.

As we look to cut back on some things, I hope that United Way is not one of them. In fact, it is time to step up and support our community, no matter how small the donation may be. This year, we are working to serve 80,000 residents within our three-county outreach. This is money that stays in Clinton, Essex and Franklin counties, goes to Clinton, Essex and Franklin County agencies, benefiting Clinton, Essex and Franklin County residents. We need your contributions, and we need you to encourage those around you to contribute as well. Please, help me in my march around the counties and support our community by supporting United Way. For more information, please contact Kathy Snow at 518-563-0028, or visit the United Way website at www.unitedwayadk.org, or your contribution can be mailed to 45 Tom Miller Road, Plattsburgh, NY 12901.

If you have made your contribution, thank you! Rest assured your dollars will be wisely used to change lives right here in Clinton, Essex and Franklin counties.

Nicole Cline

AuSable Forks