To the Editor:

On behalf of the Saquon Barkley Day organizers, volunteers, Coplay council, mayor and local business establishments, we need to thank Whitehall-Coplay Press Editor Kelly Lutterschmidt, photographers TinaMarie Martin and Scott Nagy and writer James Bunting for the excellent coverage provided on the March 24 Barkley Day event and April 26 Barkley Draft parties in the Coplay community.

On March 24, more than 5,000 people came to Coplay and supported our local eating establishments because of one person - Saquon Barkley.

On the evening of April 26, local social clubs, bars and restaurants hosting NFL Draft parties were filled to capacity with standing-room-only crowds because of one person - Saquon Barkley.

The “Little Town That Could” community of 1 square mile was mentioned in every national and local media outlet in the country because of one person - Saquon Barkley. The attention and prestige, all positive, this 21-year-old young man has provided for every one of us who call Coplay and Whitehall home is priceless.

This is just a small example of what Saquon Barkley brings to his hometown. We are all very fortunate to have Saquon; his mother, Tonya; his father, Alibay; and the Barkley family as our friends and neighbors.

We are all excited and look forward as Saquon begins the next part of his journey playing in the NFL as a New York Giant. Even though Eagles fans won’t be rooting for the Giants, they will be cheering for Saquon.

Steve Burker, Charles Sodl and Lou Bodish

Barkley Day organizers