The Beltzville Lions Club has set up an online fundraising campaign to help a local homeless man.

Terry Wentz, who most recently lived in a truck along the Weissport Canal, was the subject of a complaint at November's Weissport Borough Council meeting. A Lehighton couple, Woodrow and Joanne Nace, said Wentz was seen urinating in front of passers-by and chasing people off the trail.Since the meeting, numerous area residents have come to Wentz's defense."We are trying to do something to help someone who has helped us," said Gail Maholick, of the Lions Club. "I think it's a shame that one person created such a problem for this man, who has done nothing but good for the community."According to Lions Club secretary Jim Logue, "the recent complaint forced Wentz to move."Contributions can be made at

http://www.gofundme.com/hruh68.The goal has been set at $500.According to Maholick, Wentz kept his personal belongings in a shed at the canal and had permission to do so."He was given a key by the chairman of the Lehigh Canal Recreation Commission," she said."It was in return for all the hard work he put in down there. Terry fixed equipment and paid out of his own pocket to buy the parts. He never did anyone any harm."At the council meeting, Joanne Nace said her daughter stayed on the towpath for two days while she was looking for an apartment and was chased away by police.Nace asked why Wentz was allowed to stay there."I think it comes down to jealousy," Maholick said. "I don't know what her daughter did to be removed from the canal."On the Times News Facebook page, readers spoke out in support of Wentz."He's always nice to me," said Ashley Otto, of Lehighton. "I've witnessed him on multiple occasions cleaning trash from all lengths of the canal, either in the parking lot or miles down the path. There is no need to chase him."Todd Kriner of Lehighton agreed. "Terry Wentz should be left alone. He takes care of that canal more than anyone. I've seen him literally pick up diapers and trash with nothing but a smile."Jamie Darker of Lehighton said Wentz would never hurt anyone."He used to come sit with us girls when we worked closing at the Sunoco on Route 443," she said. "He has been nothing but nice in all the years I have known him."Anyone wishing to write a check to benefit Wentz can make it out to the Beltzville Lions Club and write "Homeless Fund" in the memo section.Checks can be mailed to Beltzville Lions Club, 576 Main Road, Lehighton, PA 18235.Logue said the Lions Club is also looking for anyone willing to donate a travel trailer."We believe we have a place to put it for Terry," Logue said."Right now everything he has is in his truck and when it rains, it gets all wet. I'm hoping maybe we can get a cap for the back of the truck as well."