Published in the March 2, 2017 edition
By Bill Laforme
NORTH READING – Local students will hit the phones next week seeking to raise money for the Dollars for Scholars program, with an eye on beating last year’s total of $23,000.
The annual fundraising drive runs from March 5-9 this year and will have student volunteers working to reach out to every residential phone in North Reading. At Monday night’s meeting, selectmen proclaimed the coming week to be Dollars for Scholars Week in town, praising the organization for having helped so many town residents over the years. According to the Dollars for Scholars website, more than 1,600 North Reading residents have received more than $700,000 in funds since its inception in 1963.
Selectman Jeffrey Yull pointed out that North Reading students from private schools and those who are home schooled are also eligible to apply for scholarship funds. Selectman Stephen O’Leary added that his sons had been among the many beneficiaries of the program in North Reading.
Kathy Acciavatti, the president of the North Reading Dollars for Scholars program, also reminded selectmen that along with hoping to receive strong support during the phone-a-thon, donations are also welcomed throughout the year. Donations to Dollars for Scholars can be sent to: PO Box 529, North Reading, MA 01864. Donations are also accepted online at www.northreading.dollarsforscholars.org.
