Editor’s Note: The following was released by Charlotte Rae Nicely, executive director of Lehigh Community Services, as a statement from her board of directors regarding why there will be no Fourth of July celebration in Lehigh Acres.

“A number of Lehigh Acres residents and the local media have questioned why Lehigh Community Services is not again sponsoring fireworks or community events for the Fourth of July celebration. LCS believes the community should be made aware of the LCS Board’s reasoning.

“Originally, fireworks in Lehigh Acres were a gift from the Rotary Club, which for a number of years raised the funds and even physically set them off. For several years after that, there were no fireworks, but then LCS started a Fourth of July celebration with food concessions and firework demonstrations after dark.

“Last year rain prevented any firework show, and the resulting

cancellation credit from the professional company that was to

provide them, was given to the Lehigh Spring Festival Committee for its 2011 function.

“The current economic recession has resulted in a tremendous

increase in the need for LCS services. We are providing historical increases through our food pantry, rent, utility grants, and social service programs. Back to School, Thanksgiving, and Christmas food and toy provisions have kept pace with our other outreach. The Lehigh Community Services Board of Directors felt it to be unwise to devote a portion of our

resources and public goodwill to something that would not directly benefit the families in need. In all probability this will

remain our policy for the foreseeable future.

“Our Board of directors recognizes the value of expressing gratitude for the wonderful and free country in which we are fortunate to live. Therefore, we sincerely hope that other Lehigh Acres service clubs and organizations will consider banding together and take over the fireworks celebration that we previously provided.”