Published in the December 7, 2017 edition

By MAUREEN DOHERTY

NORTH READING — The Transcript’s annual Neighbor Helping Neighbor Fund drive picked up speed over the weekend with the arrival of 10 donations totaling an impressive $8,800.

Currently, the fund has raised $9,150 to support the year-round services provided by Christian Community Service (CCS) to local neighbors in need. All donations remain in town, thanks to the volunteers at the non-profit CCS to help these neighbors make ends meet throughout the year. Assistance includes providing access to nutritious food and other essentials at the North Reading Food Pantry and providing emergency aid to assist with rent and utility payments and other necessities.

CCS is non-denominational and provides assistance to all clients without regard to one’s religious affiliation, if any.

Several generous donations received this week deserve special recognition. Morton & Company, Inc. of Wilmington continued its long tradition of support for CCS with a donation of $5,000. An anonymous elf contributed a donation of $2,500 and another $450 was contributed from several supporters in memory of their loved ones.

Whatever one’s incentive is to support the Transcript’s Neighbor Helping Neighbor drive, we sincerely thank you.

Horseshoe challenge

Pat and Kathi Lee of the Horseshoe Grille are once again offering a Christmas challenge to those purchasing gift cards to their restaurant. Those who purchase $100 in gift cards to the Horseshoe during the holiday season are eligible to receive a $20 gift certificate for themselves to use at the restaurant. However, upon request, the Lees will donate the $20 face value of this certificate back to CCS. At the conclusion of their holiday gift card sales, the Horseshoe will acknowledge the total amount of funds raised through this incentive.

How to donate

Donations to CCS are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. CCS automatically provides receipts to those who donate $250 or more. Tax receipts for donations of any amount will be provided upon request by the donor.

The Transcript will acknowledge all donations in the newspaper each week. Checks should be made payable to “Christian Community Service” or “CCS,” not to the newspaper. Mail checks to the North Reading Transcript, P.O. Box 7, North Reading, MA 01864.

Those who wish to drop of their donations in person may do so at the North Reading branch of the Reading Cooperative Bank, 170 Park St. (next to Ryer’s Store).

2017 NHNF donors

• In loving memory of Karen St. Pierre………………………………………..$50

• In memory of Dick Smith …………………………………………………………$50

• Mary Ann & John Lape…………………………………………………………..$750

• Morton & Company, Inc., Wilmington$5,000

• In memory of Elmer Turner; will always miss you, Love, Bunny….$75

• In memory of Harold and Etta Richardson, Love, Jean & Brett,

Roy & Daryl & Evan …………………………………………………………………..$75

• In loving memory of Paul Horan …………………………………………….$100

• From Roy and Christina Walters ……………………………………………$100

• Anonymous Elf …………………………………………………………………..$2,500

• In loving memory of Michael Mark Lally…………………………………$100

Week 2 subtotal …………………….………………………………$8,800

Previously acknowledged ………………………………….……….$350

New total ……………………………………………………..……….$9,150