Donate to the poor in most effective way

The editorial titled "Rethinking help for the very poor" in the Daily Herald on June 10 was right on the money. The state of Illinois is in financial crisis, and Social Security payments to agencies are slow. Many of our residents are unemployed or underemployed, dealing with addictions, or have mental and physical health issues. Because of the lack of funding, they have nowhere to turn.

The Daily Herald editorial board suggests that rather than give a handout to panhandlers, we should donate those funds where they will do the most good - to the local charitable organizations that address these needs. The Wheeling Township Board believes the need for services is greater than ever and agrees with that opinion. We have increased funding to our agency partners by 7 percent, thus affording residents the opportunity to receive vital services on a sliding scale basis.

I encourage all those wanting to help the less fortunate to do so by donating to local not-for-profit agencies.

Michael B. Schroeder

Supervisor

Jo Stellato

Director of finance and administration

Wheeling Township