By MAUREEN DOHERTY
NORTH READING — For the 35th consecutive year, the North Reading Transcript is renewing its commitment to its Christmas appeal known as the Neighbor Helping Neighbor Fund (NHNF), continuing its support of the Christian Community Service (CCS) of North Reading.
As in years’ past, 100 percent of all donations collected by the NHNF are provided to CCS, the all-volunteer nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization which operates the North Reading Food Pantry at 150 Haverhill St. and also provides emergency financial support to individuals and families in town year-round.
Additionally, CCS provides Christmas gifts and warm winter clothing to local children, ensures that hot meals are delivered to shut-ins on Thanksgiving, offers gently used clothing to clients of all ages year-round, and provides back-to-school supplies in backpacks to local school-age children. CCS is an all-around one-stop resource that helps individuals and families get back on their feet or stay afloat during financial hardships.
CCS is able to provide these services due to the continuous generosity of the residents and business community in this town.
All services provided by CCS are offered on the basis of financial need, not religious affiliation, in any. Requests for assistance are held in the strictest confidence.
How to donate
The Transcript will acknowledge each donation received in print and pass all donations to CCS. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law, as CCS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Those donating $250 or more automatically receive a receipt in the mail. Upon request, a receipt will be sent to those giving less than $250. The donor must provide a valid name and address for the receipt to be mailed.
If you wish to remain anonymous please indicate that fact in the memo area of your check.
You may also make donations in honor of or in memory of friends or loved ones.
Please remember to make all checks payable to “CCS,” not the newspaper!
Checks may be mailed to: North Reading Transcript “NHNF,” 26 Albion St., Wakefield MA 01880. You may also drop them off in person to our office from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mon-Thu or 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Fridays, or use the night drop box slot opposite the door facing Albion Street after hours.
Checks may also be dropped off in person to the Reading Coop Bank, 170 Park St. (next to Ryer’s). You must specify to the bank teller your intention to make a donation to the Transcript’s NHNF to ensure it is recorded on the daily tally sheet each teller has. This tally sheet is sent to the newspaper weekly so that we may include the donations in our weekly updates. Unless otherwise noted, the name of the person on the check will be listed as the donor.
And be sure to stop by the lobby of the North Reading Post Office at 174 Park St. to visit the Take-a-Tag Christmas tree and help make the Christmas wish of a local child served by CCS come true on Christmas morning! If you are mailing a check from the Post Office, please do so inside the building during operating hours. It is not recommended to mail a check that will be left overnight in the outdoor blue mailboxes.
