By MAUREEN DOHERTY
NORTH READING — Wow! All we can say is “thank you” to each of the donors to our annual Christmas fund appeal. Due to your generosity, our Neighbor Helping Neighbor Fund (NHNF) has already reached $14,425!
This week’s NHNF was bolstered significantly by a $10,000 anonymous donation. Simply saying “thanks, Santa!” almost seems inadequate. This donation, combined with many others, including $500 from Kitty’s and another $500 from “The Grinch,” will be put to good use by the folks who volunteer their time with Christian Community Service to ensure that our town’s most vulnerable citizens have food on their tables, warm clothes to wear, and when necessary, money to help heat their homes or keep the lights on.
Inflation continues to make it tough for many families, individuals and folks on fixed incomes to make ends meet so it’s comforting to know that there are so many caring people in town who have their neighbors’ backs in both good times and bad.
Donors to the NHNF can be assured that 100 percent of all donations sent to the fund are given to CCS, which operates the North Reading Food Pantry at 150 Haverhill St., and also provides emergency financial support all year long. All services provided by CCS are offered on the basis of financial need, not religious affiliation, in any, and requests for assistance are held in strict confidentiality.
CCS volunteers and their expansive affiliation of supporters also provide Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets, warm clothing and Christmas gifts to their clients and home-cooked holiday meals to shut-ins.
CCS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and no one affiliated with this group has ever drawn a salary.
Do Something Nice Twice fundraiser
The Horseshoe Grille, 226 Main St., continues its affiliation with the Neighbor Helping Neighbor Fund through its “do something nice twice” campaign. Patrons who purchase $50 in gift cards will receive a $10 coupon for their future use at the restaurant; however, if they choose to donate their $10 coupon back to the NHNF, the Horseshoe will match the donation to the NHNF too!
How to donate to NHNF
The Transcript will acknowledge each donation received in print and pass all donations to CCS. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law, as CCS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Donations of $250 or more automatically receive a receipt in the mail. Upon request, a receipt will be sent to those giving less than $250. The donor must provide a valid name and address for the receipt to be mailed.
If you wish to remain anonymous please indicate that fact in the memo area of your check.
You may also make donations in honor of or in memory of friends or loved ones.
Please make all checks payable to “CCS,” not the newspaper newspaper!
Mail checks to: North Reading Transcript “NHNF,” 26 Albion St., Wakefield MA 01880. You may also drop them off in person to our office from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mon-Thu or 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Fridays, or use the night drop box slot opposite the door facing Albion Street after hours.
Or, drop off your check in person to the Reading Coop Bank’s 170 Park St. branch (next to Ryer’s). You must specify to the bank teller your intention to make a donation to the Transcript’s NHNF to ensure it is recorded on the daily tally sheet that is sent to us for acknowledgement in the newspaper. You must also let them know whether to use your name in the newspaper or if you prefer to remain anonymous and if your donation is in honor of or in memory a loved one.
Transcript 2023 NHNF donor list
- Anonymous Santa– $10,000
- Merry Christmas from Kitty’s Restaurant & Lounge– $500
- From The Grinch – $500
- From Tom & Denise Lumb– $250
- In memory of Paul A. Nelson, Sr. & Michael Udall– $150
- In memory of Bob Mauceri– $100
- From Roy and Christina Walters– $100
- From Jean Osborn– $100
- From Mary M. Butler– $100
- From John & Elaine Daszkiewicz– $50
WEEK 2 Subtotal ………………………………….$11,850
PREVIOUSLY ACKNOWLEDGED ………………. $2,575
NEW TOTAL ………………………………………..$14,425