Published in the December 21, 2017 edition

By MAUREEN DOHERTY

NORTH READING — Infused with generous donations totaling $5,650 in the past week, the Transcript’s Neighbor Helping Neighbor Fund continues to demonstrate that the spirit of the season is alive and well in this town.

As we get ready to celebrate the Christmas holiday, the fund has reached $16,785.

Donations ranged from $25 to $1,000 and included many memorial tributes such as the $1,000 donation given in memory of Tim Chaloux, a $250 donation in memory of DonnaGail DeSousa, $100 each given in memory of Beth Hall and Phil Kerrigan Jr., and $50 in memory of Bonnie, Huey and Stomper.

Two local restaurants also renewed their commitment to the works of the Christian Community Service (CCS). Kitty’s Restaurant and China Cuisine donated $500 apiece to the fund.

CCS is a nonprofit that is run exclusively by volunteers who operate the town’s Food Pantry, located at Town Hall. The organization also provides emergency assistance to about 100 families and individuals in town throughout the year. The funds raised during the Transcript’s annual Christmas drive goes a long way to sustain their work throughout the year.

Additionally, the Horseshoe Grille continues to run its gift card special. For every $100 patrons spend on gift cards they are given the option to donate the $20 coupon to the restaurant that they receive for themselves to the Neighbor Helping Neighbor Fund. After the holiday season, proprietors Pat and Kathi Lee will present a check to Transcript for the total they receive back.

And don’t forget to vote in the Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest between the School Committee and the Board of Selectmen by New Year’s Eve. The losing committee will be donating $100 to the Transcript’s fund (see related story).

2017 NHNF donors, Week 4:

• In loving memory of the Carucci and Cody families…………………………………………………………$350

• From Everett & Molly Leonard………………. $300

• In loving memory of Trank & Virginia Chiovolani ……………………………………………………………….$250

• In loving memory of Robert Gard…………… $200

•3 Friends

3 Pugs &

2 Westies………………………………………………$100

• Peter & Nancy Zawistowski………………….. $100

• From Bob & Jean Germino…………………….$100

• In loving memory of Mazie……………………. $100

• In memory of Kay Birkmaier……………………. $50

• Stephen & Joy Hartwell…………………………..$50

• In memory of our mothers……………………… $50

• In loving memory of Tim Chaloux. Missing you. Mom, Dad, Chris & Kate…………………………. $1,000

• Dolores & Joseph Meli…………………………. $200

• Bill & Sheila Berry……………………………….. $100

• In memory of Phil Kerrigan Jr……………….. $100

• Adrienne Quercia Capano ………………………$25

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

• The McIntyre Family – Dan, Pam, Ava, Ry…$300

• Anonymous Santa’s Helper………………….. $100

• Alexis, Maxwell, Kyle, Jackson, Allison

& Hugo— …………………………………………….$125

• Jeffrey & Joan LeGrow………………………… $100

• In memory of Beth Hall………………………… $100

• Remembering Friends …………………………..$100

• Mike’s Car Care of North Reading …………..$250

• Mabel “Happy” DiFranza ………………………$100

• In memory of DonnaGail DeSousa ………….$250

• Kitty’s Restaurant ………………………………..$500

• China Cuisine ………………………………………$500

• In memory of our parents from Phil & Diane

Norris………………………………………………….. $100

Week 4 subtotal………………………………$5,650

Previously acknowledged ………………..$11,135

New total…………………………………….$16,785