ELKHART — The head of the United Way of Elkhart County is in Washington, D.C., this week to talk with congressional leaders about the importance charitable donations.

Bill Rieth has been selected to address the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee on Thursday, Feb. 14, as part of a hearing to examine itemized tax deductions for nonprofit groups. There, Rieth will be one of 15 people from around the country representing United Way Worldwide, which has nearly 1,800 chapters in 40 countries.

Lawmakers have floated the idea in past years of limiting deductions as part of broader tax reform. Rieth said he is worried that restrictions could dissuade donors from giving to nonprofit organizations. He will urge members of Congress this week to carefully consider the impact that limiting tax benefits for donations could have on nonprofit organizations and the sectors of the community that they serve.

While in the nation’s capital, Rieth said he will also get a chance to talk with U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski from Indiana’s 2nd District as well as U.S. Senators Dan Coats and Joe Donnelly.