By MAUREEN DOHERTY
NORTH READING — One last donation for $450, given by long-time Neighbor Helping Neighbor Fund supporters Ned and Sandra Kershner, has pushed the 2023 tally over the $28,000 mark.
The Kershners gave their donation in memory of friends and loved ones who have passed away during 2023. This year they are remembering people they’ve known during their 59-year marriage: Sharon Meyers, Gary French, Bob Russell, Frank Sarra, Norm Thompson, Frank Bartholomay, Helen Voto, Kerry Fleckenstein and Mark Bigelow.
The $450 donation brings the final tally of the 34th annual Christmas fund campaign to $28,350.
The North Reading Transcript originated the Neighbor Helping Neighbor Fund at Christmastime 34 years ago to support the good works of Christian Community Service, the nonprofit, all-volunteer 501(c)(3) organization, which operates year-round to support townspeople who have fallen on hard times. CCS runs the North Reading Food Pantry at 150 Haverhill St., which enjoys the support of countless community groups, townspeople and businesses in town year-round.
CCS also provide numerous basic necessities, such as assistance with utility bills and holiday food baskets at Thanksgiving and Christmas, hot holiday meals to shut-ins and well as Christmas gifts. They also maintain a clothing exchange. For assistance or to volunteer, call and leave a message at 978-276-0040 or nrfoodpantry.org. Assistance is provided to townspeople in need regardless of religious affiliation, if any.