Published January 14, 2021

By MAUREEN DOHERTY

NORTH READING — We could not me more thrilled with the community’s response to the Transcript’s 31st annual Neighbor Helping Neighbor Fund (NHNF). Generosity is certainly more bountiful than the coronavirus in our little town.

With so many more people needing to turn to Christian Community Service (CCS) to make ends meet during this pandemic, it is comforting to know that those who are fortunate to have their health and their wealth are willing to share their good fortune by assisting neighbors in need. It is the balm that our society needs now more than ever.

We have passed along the $43,837 donated to the fund this year to CCS, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit that runs the North Reading Food Pantry and also provides other vital services to its clients throughout the year.

These donations will enable CCS to fund the pantry and the emergency financial assistance they provide to the town’s residents. As a non-denominational group of volunteers, all assistance is provided without regard to religious affiliation, if any. Those who wish to contact CCS directly may do so by calling 978-276-0040 or writing to: Christian Community Service, P.O. Box 626, North Reading, MA 01864.

The new Food Pantry is located at 150 Haverhill St. beside the Union Congregational Church. On-site hours are limited due to COVID-19 so call in advance. Client shopping hours are Mondays: 9:30 am – 11:00 am and the first and third Mondays of the month: 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm.

Donations may be dropped off Mondays and Fridays only from 11 am-1 pm or use the donation boxes at the Post Office, 174 Park St. or Stop & Shop, 265 Main St.

The NHNF is now officially closed for 2020 but we did received three checks after press time last week totally $500 which we’d like to acknowledge.

Viking Tree of North Reading donated $300. This company has been a friend of the NHNF since its inception in 1991 and we thank them for always being willing to helping their neighbors.

Another $100 was donated by a North Reading family in honor of the Transcript’s late colleague and friend, John Friberg – fantastic photographer and an even better person who passed away from cancer over the summer. Their tribute stated: “In honor of John Friberg: So generous with his time given to North Reading sports.”

The Reynolds family of North Reading also donated $100 and their note of thanks summed up why the newspaper has gladly run this fund for 31 years: “Thank you for organizing this great cause! 2020 was a rough year and this help is much needed for a lot of people.”

If anyone mailed us a donation or dropped off a check intended for the fund to Reading Cooperative Bank but has not yet seen it acknowledged in print to please contact us so we can provide proper acknowledgment.

Those with questions about donations may send an email to: NRTranscript@RCN.com or call 781-245-0080.

Transcript 2020 NHNF donor list, week 8:

• Viking Tree Co. of North Reading — $300

• In honor of John Friberg: So generous with his time given to NR sports— $100

• Sarah & Adam Reynolds— $100

Week 8 subtotal……………… — $500

Previously acknowledged…. — $43,337

2020 NHNF Grand Total …… — $43,837