FROM THE LEFT ARE Keith Bowden, Kevin Erb, Mayor Rob Dolan and Brad Hutchinson

FROM THE LEFT ARE Keith Bowden, Kevin Erb, Mayor Rob Dolan and Brad Hutchinson

MELROSE — Kevin Erb of the Lions Club presented a check to Mayor Rob Dolan this week that brought the total donations to the Emergency Fund to over $48,000, far surpassing the amount raised in last year’s holiday fundraising drive.

“The Emergency Fund really brings our community together,” said Dolan, “with organizations such as the Lions Club, Rotary and the Elks, our many houses of worship, individuals, businesses, even a yoga class, coming together to help support our neighbors in need. This is the true meaning of community.”

“In October of this year, the Melrose Lions Club will celebrate 90 years of service to the City of Melrose,” Erb said. “The Emergency Fund symbolizes exactly the purpose of the Lions, helping others less fortunate. In fact, the motto of the Lions Club states quite simply our mission to this great community: ‘We Serve.’ It is the Melrose Lions Club’s honor and privilege to contribute to this wonderful cause.”

Other recent donors to the fund include:

• Orthodontics of Melrose, in memory of David Kendricken

• Carol L. Bryant

• Gerald and Ann Levinson

• Dr. Ronald Sen

• Rob and Alison Dolan

• Atty and Mrs. James A. McAvoy

• Jean F. Berner

• Patrick C. Guerriero

• Peter and Louise Mason

• Joyce B. Zeiner

• John and Christine Oteri

• Melrose Emblem Club

• Marie A. Ryan

• Eleanor and Jonathan Humes

• Sheila and James McArdle

• Frank and Michelle Wright

• Charles Wasgatt and Catherine Curtis

• Richard and Patricia McConville, in memory of Ed Wright

• Herb and Nancy Schurian

• The Santagate Family

• Melrose High School Boys and Girls Cross Country Teams

• The Cataldo Family

• Paul Brodeur and Elizabeth Bailey Brodeur

• Joseph and Doreen Cincotta

• Anne Starr and Marc Norvig

• Mary Ellen McNamara and Vincent Romano

• Linda Buttimer, in memory of Pete Buttimer

• The Woolfs

• Kells Craft Construction

• Lin and Jane Hagen

• Leigh and Matti Teittinen

• Vincent and Sandra Nagle

• Jerry and Barbara Kerrigan

• Drs. Andrea Gordon and Allen Shaughnessy

• Esther and Edward Murphy

• Elaine and Jeffrey Bemis

• Mary A. Wallace

• Mary C. Gregorio

• Edward and Mary Laskey

• Robert W. Christiansen

• Michael and Maureen Vasily

• Patricia and Paul Reynolds

• Vanessa Roman’s Gratitude Yoga Class

• Jill Rodstrom, Daniel Zion, and Sam Zion

• Stephen Hall and Karen Jenkins Hall

• Cynthia and Michael Hickey

• Shelley and Stephen Finley

• Emily Rubenstein

• Matt Starr

• Charles Sheridan

• In memory of William Wallace, from his friends and family

• Brigid and George Alverson, in memory of Marissa Eppoliti

• Louise Howe

• Keith Bowden

• Kathleen Walsh

• Green Street Baptist Church

• Christine and Timothy Carlson

• Miles and Linda Hapgood

• Trinity Episcopal Church

• Michael Cassavoy

• Melrose Lodge of Elks #1031

• Rosemary Connors-Botto and James Botto

• Melrose Oriental Rug Co.

• Lisa Loveland

• Lori and Michael Smith

• Antonio Pani and Karen O’Brien

The Emergency Fund provides one-time help to Melrose residents experiencing financial emergencies. Every penny of every donation goes directly to aid, with no administrative costs, and the fund administrator makes referrals to other local agencies if needed.

Donations are accepted, and help is given, year-round. To make a donation, send a check to Melrose Emergency Fund, Mayor’s Office, 562 Main St., Melrose, MA 02176 or bring it directly to the Mayor’s Office on the second floor of City Hall. Checks should be made out to the City of Melrose, with “Melrose Emergency Fund” in the memo line. For more information about the fund, call 781-979-4440.