Published December 6, 2018

By MAUREEN DOHERTY

NORTH READING — The generosity of this community never ceases to amaze us.

In only the second week of the Transcript’s annual Neighbor Helping Neighbor Fund (NHNF) Christmas drive an additional $17,950 donations has been donated. When combined with the $350 donated in the first week we’ve raised $18,300 to date to support the year-round services provided by Christian Community Service (CCS) to local neighbors in need.

For example, Morton & Company, Inc. of Wilmington continued its longstanding tradition of supporting the NHNF and CCS with a donation of $10,000. This stands out as the single largest donor contribution the fund receives.

And on Tuesday afternoon we had the pleasure of meeting a donor who stopped by our office in person. Gita Muni recently celebrated a birthday and she wanted to pay it forward. Imagine our surprise when she wrote a check for $5,000. “I am very fortunate to live in this nice town of North Reading. I thank you very much and this is time for me to give back. Any time I can do anything, I would like to do it,” she said.

She and her husband Indu have lived in town since 1981 and raised their children here. They appreciate how safe and private this town has always been, she said, adding, “We are so fortunate.”

All donations provided to the fund remain in town, thanks to the volunteers at the non-profit CCS who ensure that our neighbors in need can make ends meet throughout the year. Assistance includes providing access to nutritious food and other essentials at the North Reading Food Pantry and providing emergency aid to assist with rent and utility payments and other necessities.

Whatever your incentive may be to support the Transcript’s Neighbor Helping Neighbor drive, we sincerely thank you. All donations in any denomination are appreciated because every little bit helps.

Horseshoe challenge

Pat and Kathi Lee of the Horseshoe Grille are once again offering a Christmas challenge to those purchasing gift cards to their restaurant. Those who purchase $100 in gift cards to the Horseshoe during the holiday season are eligible to receive a $20 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 and we’ll acknowledge the donation 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. 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 in the newspaper each week. Checks should be made payable to “Christian Community Service” or “CCS” only, not to the newspaper. Mail donations to “Transcript NHNF,” P.O. Box 7, North Reading, MA 01864.

Those who wish to drop off their 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:

• Morton & Company, Inc., Wilmington …..…$10,000

• Gita and Indu Muni …………………………………..$5,000

• David E. Donnelly ……………………………………..$1,000

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

• Mary Ann & John Lape ……………………………$750

• Benjamin F. Sands Jr. …………………………………..$250

• In loving memory of Michael M. Lally …..….….$100

• In loving memory of Paul Horan ……………..…$100

• Merry Christmas from Tony & Marilyn Sacco …$100

• In memory of Barbara & and Paul Titus …………$100

• William & Janice Marshall …………………………….$100

• From Roy and Christina Walters ………..………$100

• In memory of Robert Howard Jr. ……………………$ 50

Week 2 subtotal ……………………………. $17,950

Previously acknowledged ……………….….$350

New total …………………………………..…$18,300