Published January 3, 2019

By MAUREEN DOHERTY

NORTH READING — Thank you North Reading! Our generous readers responded to the challenge, enabling the Transcript’s 2018 Neighbor Helping Neighbor Fund to surpass its goal of raising $35,000 for Christian Community Service (CCS).

In just the past week these friends and neighbors have donated another $3,065 to the Neighbor Helping Neighbor Fund (NHNF), bringing the current total to $36,187. CCS will use these funds to assist town residents experiencing financial difficulties throughout the coming year.

Now in its 29th year, each Christmas season the Transcript’s campaign stands as the single largest fundraiser of the year directly benefiting CCS, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization run entirely by volunteers. CCS, which also runs the North Reading Food Pantry, awards emergency financial assistance on a case by case basis. Aid is paid directly to the third party on behalf of the CCS client.

The Food Pantry is open on Mondays from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and the first and third Monday evenings each month from 7 to 8 p.m. It is located in Town Hall behind the stage in the gymnasium. Donors can drop off non-perishable food and household items for the pantry in the Town Hall foyer, 235 North St.; at the North Reading Post Office, 174 Park St.; at the Flint Memorial Library, 147 Park St.; and at Stop & Shop, 265 Main St. Those with questions about the pantry may call 978-664-0040.

CCS also provided holiday food baskets to their clients plus hot meals to shut-ins. Its Take-a-Tag program provided over 800 Christmas gifts for children this year, also thanks to the outpouring of support by organizations, businesses, schools and individuals throughout the town.

Horseshoe challenge

The fund is not closed out yet. We’ll be adding donations to this total from Pat and Kathi Lee of the Horseshoe Grille from their Christmas gift card challenge. Those purchasing $100 in gift cards to the Horseshoe could choose to donate the $20 face value of their give-back certificate to the NHNF and CCS.

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. A 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 keep the fund open for one more week. We’ll acknowledge all donations to the NHNF in the newspaper. 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, Week 6:

• Paul and Marci Bailey………………………………….…….………….……………………..$700

• In memory of Kenneth Thomson …………………………………….…………………….$500

• Al Sylvia Jr., in memory of Dad and Mom……………………….……………………..$400

• Marianne and Chuck Carucci ………………………………………….……………………$200

• Anonymous caroler……………………………………………………….……………….…….$200

• Mary and Scott Street…………………………………………..………….………………..…$100

• Robert L. Snyder………………………..……….…………………………….………….……..$100

• Kevin and Irene Brosnan ……………………..……….…..………….……………………..$100

• Dana and Marlene Freeman……………………..…………………….…………….……..$100

• Richard Ham and Family……………………..……….……………….…………………….$100

• Ed and Lori McGrath……………………..……….……………………….……………..……$100

• Lisa and Karl Touet……………………..……….……………….………….………………….$100

• Anonymous reindeer……………………..……….…………….………….…………………..$100

• George and Carolyn Stack……………………..…………….….………….…………………$100

• In memory of Bev and Dan……………………..………….……………….…………..……$50

• Steve and Joy Hartwell……………………..………………..…………….………………….$50

• Sheila and Jack Romo…………………..……….………….………………….………………$40

• Nancy B. Miller…………………..……….………………….…………………….……………..$25

Due to two transposing errors, the fund total published Dec. 27 should have been $33,122 not $33,222. An adjustment has been made below to reflect the necessary correction.

Transcript’s 2018 NHNF donor list, Week 6:

Previously acknowledged ………………………………………$33,222

Fund adjustment …………………………………………..………(–$100)

Adjusted subtotal through Week 5………………….……..… $3,065

New total ………………………………………………………..……$36,187