Questioning the Way United Way Uses Funds

Regarding the article on Jeff and Maria Wilcox’s commitment to the United Way (“United They Stand,” Dec. 1): Earlier this year The Times reported that Elaine Chao received $292,000 as a parting gift from the United Way board.

The gift to Chao should have been used to help the needy. Why should United Way have to depend on the generosity of those who can barely afford to subsist, let alone give their pennies to a charity of dubious merit?

We all remember how William Aramony, when leader of United Way, used the funds to live a wealthy and luxurious life. The philosophy at the United Way hasn’t changed.

MARSHALL KLINE

Los Angeles