Christmas fund nears $28K with one week left in drive

Published in the December 28, 2017 edition

By MAUREEN DOHERTY

NORTH READING — Generosity abounds in this town as donations totaling $11,210 were made to the Transcript’s Neighbor Helping Neighbor Fund during Christmas week.

These funds arrived in both large and small amounts from two dozen donors, and it all adds up reflect the heart and soul of this community.

An extremely generous donation of $6,000 was given by the members of the International Family Church at 99 Concord Street. It was the second year in a row that the church members have dug deep into their wallets to support Christian Community Service (CCS), the North Reading nonprofit organization run by local volunteers who work hard year-round to ensure those in need in North Reading do not go without the basic necessities of life for themselves and their families. All proceeds from the newspaper’s 28th annual fund will be donated to CCS, which keeps the funds in town.

During the check presentation last Thursday at Town Hall, Lead Pastor Jonathan DelTurco and his crew were given a tour of the North Reading Food Pantry that is located on the converted stage in the gymnasium and cafeteria of what was once the Marea J. Murphy School on North Street by CCS volunteers Nancy and Michael Boyle.

DelTurco, along with Pastor Mo Christmas and Pastor Josh Roberts, brought a volunteer videographer with them to capture some footage of the Food Pantry to share with their parishioners during services so they can see the benefits of their donations firsthand. No Food Pantry clients were present during the filming because CCS protects their anonymity.

DelTurco promised to return to the pantry in July with a crew of volunteers from his church who would provide CCS with a day of free labor to perform whatever tasks may be of assistance to them, including painting and repairs. He said it will be the second phase of their commitment to this donation that enables members to put their faith into action. CCS Chair Ellen Wiklanski was thrilled with this additional offer of support from IFC.

The Neighbor Helping Neighbor Fund was also the benefactor of several anonymous donations this past week, including one for $2,000, one for $1,000 and one for $500.

In addition to the Food Pantry, CCS ensures that the children of their clients receive gifts on Christmas morning through its Take a Tag program, which has been extremely successful. Wiklanski told the Transcript that this year warm clothes and small toys were provided to a total of 66 youngsters – 33 girls and 33 boys.

Ugly sweater contest

The Transcript’s Neighbor Helping Neighbor Fund will also benefit from the friendly wager between the School Committee and Board of Selectmen to determine which board collectively wore the ugliest Christmas sweaters to their respective meetings Dec. 18.

Voting remains open through New Year’s Eve via the Transcript’s Facebook page, with the losing team committing to donate $100 to the Transcript’s fund although both committees have also stated they will donate to the fund regardless of the outcome. (See related story for details.)

Still time to donate

There is still time to donate as we enter the final week of the fund before closing it out for the year. Donations to CCS 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 upon request by the donor.

The Transcript will acknowledge all donations in the newspaper each week. Checks should be made payable to “Christian Community Service” or “CCS,” not to the newspaper. Mail checks to: North Reading Transcript, 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).

2017 NHNF donors, Week 5:

• International Family Church of North Reading ………………$6,000

• In memory of Ralph Douglas ……………………………………$100

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

• Dick & Pat Panaro …………………………..………..$100

• Anonymous Santa’s Helper ………………………………..……$50

• From Bob & Stephanie Chinchillo ……………………………..…….…$50

• Sheila & Jack Romo ………………………………….….$25

• In memory of Papa

Charlie & Nana Helen …………………………………..……$50

• In memory of Gigi Benjamin ………………………………..……$10

• Anonymous Angel ……………………………………$500

• Donald & Ann Marie Kelliher……….………………..…………………..$100

• Brad & Jean Jones …………………………………………………………$50

• Anonymous Elves …………………………………………………… $100

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

• Ed & Lori McGrath ……………………………………………………$100

• Anonymous Reindeer ……………………………………………..$1,000

• Anonymous Saint ………………………………………………….$2,000

• John T. Scoboria ……………………………………………………….$50