Kevin Dellicker for U.S. Congress

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Last Saturday, I had the honor of being one of 140 volunteers who worked at the 7th Annual Fall Bash at the Community Fire Company of New Tripoli. More than 2,200 people showed up to raise money and support the firefighters. That’s almost three times the number of people who actually live in New Tripoli.

First responders and their families work tirelessly to serve their communities. They put themselves in harm’s way, participate in rigorous training, and do it all for no pay. They make great sacrifices for the rest of us, as the New Tripoli Fire Company knows too well.

We have a lot of problems in our country. Inflation. Crime. Lawless borders. Budget deficits. Drugs. Violence. Immorality. The list goes on and on. These are difficult challenges even with the right people in public office, and some of these problems can’t be fixed by an act of Congress.

But when I attend a smalltown celebration like I did on Saturday, I know we still have hope. And these types of uniquely American scenes of service are still happening regularly across the greater Lehigh Valley.

In just the past two weeks, I’ve visited a church in Bethlehem and a mosque in Allentown serving food for the community. I’ve seen volunteers providing safe spaces for homeless women to have their babies. And I’ve watched community leaders come together to support extracurricular activities in local schools. People around here still know what it means to “Love Thy Neighbor.”

In a recent news article, New Tripoli Fire Company Deputy Chief Nick Gruber explained, “We all work full-time jobs, families, sports. You name it. We’re doing it like everyone else.”

Yes, you are, Nick. And thank God you and others like you still find time to serve.

Have faith. Our country is going to be okay because 140 ordinary people still show up in New Tripoli on a Saturday afternoon to help their neighbors.

Sincerely,