Published December 27, 2018

By MAUREEN DOHERTY

NORTH READING — It will be a happy Christmas indeed for our town’s homegrown non-profit, Christian Community Service (CCS). That’s because the Transcript’s 29th annual Neighbor Helping Neighbor Fund has raised a total of $33,222 to date.

In the past week, nine generous donors have contributed another $2,625 to the fund. It’s the generosity of donors like Dan Brosseau of Brosseau Construction, who contributed $300, as well as the doctors and staff of Dental Health Concepts, who added another $1,000, and the annual tribute made in memory of Bonnie, Stomper and Huey for $50 that add up to the fund’s success each year.

We are holding the fund open for one more week, so if you’re a donor who prefers to wait to the end of the calendar year when making charitable contributions you could help us reach our goal of surpassing $35,000 in 2018!

As always, every dime raised by the Neighbor Helping Neighbor Funds remains in town to help local people. Since 1975, CCS volunteers have quietly and discreetly taken care of so many needs of our neighbors through financial difficulties. Starting in 1990 the Transcript championed their cause. Over the years the support of our readers has enabled the fund to serve as the single largest annual fundraiser for CCS. They’ve come to rely upon it as a mainstay of their operating budget.

CCS Food Pantry

CCS, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization run entirely by volunteers, is responsible for running the North Reading Food Pantry, which provides nutritious food and other essentials to town residents, helping clients stretch their family’s budget. Located in Town Hall behind the stage in the gymnasium, the Food Pantry is open on Mondays from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and the first and third Monday evenings each month from 7 to 8 p.m.

Donors can drop off goods for the pantry year-round in the Town Hall foyer, 235 North St., at the North Reading Post Office, 174 Park Street, at the Flint Memorial Library, 147 Park St., and at Stop & Shop, 265 Main St. Those with questions about the pantry may call 978-664-0040.

Monies donated to the Neighbor Helping Neighbor Fund (NHNF) also provide emergency financial assistance to enable clients to catch up on utility bills, rent or other needs on a case by case basis. These funds are paid directly to the third party on behalf of the CCS client. Additional services provided by CCS include holiday dinners at Thanksgiving and Christmas (both gift baskets and meals to shut-ins), the Take-a-Tag program to provide Christmas gifts to children, and back-to-school backpacks filled with school supplies.

Horseshoe challenge

The Christmas challenge offered by Pat and Kathi Lee of the Horseshoe Grille for those purchasing gift cards to their restaurant is also winding down. Those who purchase $100 in gift cards during the holiday season are eligible to receive a $20 give-back gift certificate for themselves to use at the restaurant. However, upon request, the Lees will donate the $20 face value of the give-back certificate to the NHNF and CCS. At the conclusion of their holiday gift card sales, the Horseshoe will write a check representing the funds raised which we’ll acknowledge in our weekly update.

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. A tax receipt for donations of any amount will be provided upon request by the donor; please provide your name and address so that CCS may mail you a receipt. 

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

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

Those who wish to drop off donations in person may do so at the North Reading branch of the Reading Cooperative Bank, 170 Park St. (next to Ryer’s Store). Please specify to the teller your intention to make a donation to the Transcript’s Neighbor Helping Neighbor Fund. Or stop by our office at 26 Albion St. in downtown Wakefield (there is a mail slot in the alcove opposite the front door if you arrive after-hours).

 Transcript’s 2018 NHNF donor list, Week 5:

• The Doctors and Staff of Dental Health Concepts …………………………………………………………………$1,000

• Anonymous supporter ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….$400

• Kay Mahoney……………………….………………………………….………………………………….……………………..…$100

• The Wilk Family ………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………….…..  $75

• In memory of Bonnie, Stomper & Huey ………………………………………………………….…………………….…..$50

• Merry Christmas from Brosseau Construction……………………..………………………………….……………….$300

• Molly’s Store………..……….……………………………………….………………………………….…………………………$500

• Donald and Doris Henchey …………..…………………………………………………………….…………………………$100

• In memory of Nana Sally & Nana Lucy ……………………..………………………………….…………………..…….$100

Week 5 subtotal …………………..….……………………..….……………………..….……………….. $2,625

Previously acknowledged ………..………………..….…………..…………..….…………………..$30,597

New total ………………………..……..………………..….……………………..….……………………$33,222