Published December 5, 2019

By MAUREEN DOHERTY

NORTH READING — The increased generosity of spirit that comes with the advent of the holiday season is reflected in the $1,400 in donations the Transcript’s Neighbor Helping Neighbor Fund has already received less than one week after being launched.

We’re excited to be partnering with Christian Community Service (CCS) for the 30th consecutive Christmas season to help this nonprofit, all-volunteer organization fulfill its mission of serving those in need right in our own hometown. Now let’s work together to make this a meaningful milestone

CCS runs the North Reading Food Pantry, which is visited by about 100 local families and individuals per month, and also provides financial assistance to those in need, such as assistance to pay an outstanding utility bill or helping with an auto repair so the person can remain employed. The funds are raised locally and they remain local to benefit North Reading households.

According to CCS Chairperson Ellen Wiklanski those who receive financial assistance from them must utilize the food pantry to help stretch their budgets,

CCS is an ecumenical organization and assistance is provided based on financial need regardless of the recipient’s religious affiliation, if any.

Horseshoe gift card give back

We have more exciting news. Pat and Kathi Lee, proprietors of the Horseshoe Grille, 226 Main St., are offering patrons a chance to give back to the Transcript’s Neighbor Helping Neighbor Fund once again.

During the Christmas season, for every $100 spent on gift cards to the restaurant the Horseshoe offers a $20 voucher back to the purchaser. Simply let the clerk know that you’d prefer to apply the $20 face value of the Horseshoe Grille voucher to be donated to the Transcript’s Neighbor Helping Neighbor Christmas fund and the Lees will match your donation. At the end of the holiday season the Lees will write a check to CCS representing the funds donated by their patrons through this incentive, which will be acknowledged by the newspaper.

How to donate

Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. CCS automatically provides receipts to those who donate $250 or more. Tax receipts for donations of any amount will be provided by CCS upon request by the donor.

The Transcript will acknowledge all donations in the newspaper each week. If you wish to remain anonymous, or dedicate your donation to a loved one, please include a note.

Please make checks payable to “Christian Community Service” or “CCS,” not to the newspaper. Checks may be mailed to the Transcript at 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 bank teller your intention to donate to the Transcript’s Neighbor Helping Neighbor Fund to ensure it is recorded on the tally sheet the bank will forward to us for acknowledgement in the newspaper.

Together, we can make the 30th annual Neighbor Helping Neighbor Fund drive the most successful it has ever been!

Transcript’s 2019 NHNF donors:

• In loving memory of Karen St. Pierre — $50

• In memory of Dick Smith — $50

• In memory of Irene, Don and Bob Donald — $250

• Santa’s Elf — $300

• Happy Holidays from Mary Ann and John Lape — $750

Total Week 1 — $1,400