As a former executive director of the Moore County Literacy Council, I am appalled and disappointed with the United Way’s refusal to fund the Literacy Council. Even when I was the director, it was difficult to receive allocations for the Literacy Council from United Way, mainly because the largest portions of funds went to agencies already receiving funding from state and/or federal sources. I see not much has changed over the years.

I’ve been involved with United Way-funded agencies for more than 20 years. It was formerly the policy then of both the local and national United Way to fund agencies, not individual agency programs. Unfortunately, the local United Way has chosen the latter, which is not in keeping with the spirit of United Way in serving the needs of the people of Moore County.

I only hope that those involved with United Way do not feel there is not an illiteracy problem in Moore County, therefore choosing not to fund the Literacy Council. Or perhaps those on the allocation committee have their own favorite agency to fund?

Gary Broadwell

Southern Pines