Letters to the Editor

March 7, 2010

Donating funds justice for all

North Penn Legal Services (NPLS) recently began its new annual campaign – the Luzerne County Campaign for Legal Aid.

Campaign co-chairs are attorneys Joseph D. Burke and Eugene C. Kelley. Together with the campaign committee, they are working to raise funds that will help preserve access to justice for low-income people in Luzerne County.

There are an estimated 35,000 county residents living below the poverty line, many of them needing legal help.

Last year, four attorneys and six support staff from NPLS provided services in the form of legal representation and legal advice to 2,000 low-income people. We were fortunate enough to have the help of attorneys from the Luzerne County Bar Association. These attorneys helped us pro bono.

Funds raised will help us continue to help people who might otherwise be denied legal advice or assistance. The goal of the campaign is to raise $70,000 in three years. To date, the campaign has raised $35,000.

At a cost of less than $350 per case, NPLS can provide desperately needed legal help to the most vulnerable members of our society. The commitment of law firms and individuals through this campaign will help make it possible for NPLS to assist 200 people – seniors, people with disabilities, the homeless, indigent families with children and the working poor – with their critical legal needs.

Each year, 1,400 individuals in Luzerne County who need our help are turned away. Support the campaign and make access to justice not just a phrase, but a reality.

To make a donation, visit the NPLS Web site at this address: www.northpennlegal.org.

Victoria Coyle Executive director North Penn Legal Services Bethlehem

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