Published December 13, 2018

By MAUREEN DOHERTY

 NORTH READING — What makes North Reading such a special place to call home? For starters, it’s the friends and neighbors who give their valuable time and resources to help their neighbors in need. Through their generous support of the Transcript’s Neighbor Helping Neighbor Fund they are ensuring that the volunteers at Christian Community Service (CCS) can assist town residents experiencing financial difficulty make ends meet in 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.

In just the past week these friends and neighbors have donated another $5,802 to the Neighbor Helping Neighbor Fund, bringing the current total to $24,102.

And they do so willingly, such as friends and neighbors like the Webster/Sullivan family who donated $3,000 this week stating simply that it’s “always a pleasure to help those in need.”

China Cuisine also lent a helping hand to their neighbors by donating $1,000. And then there are the familiar favorites whose donations arrive year after year, anonymously, in memory of loved ones and old friends, such as the donations received this week in memory of Ralph Douglas, Mazie, Chippo, Gigi Benjamin and Gene Barrasso.

It’s important to note that all donations to the Neighbor Helping Neighbor Fund (NHNF) remain in town. CCS is responsible for running the North Reading Food Pantry, which provides access to nutritious food and other essentials to town residents, helping clients stretch their family’s budget. Emergency financial assistance to pay utility bills, rent or other needs is awarded on a case by case basis. CCS Chairwoman Ellen Wiklanski notes that any financial assistance provided by CCS is paid directly to the third party on behalf of the CCS client.

The Food Pantry, located in Town Hall behind the stage in the gymnasium, 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. Donors can drop off goods for the pantry in the Town Hall foyer, 235 North St., at the North Reading Post Office, 174 Park Street, 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.

Additional services provided by CCS include holiday dinners at Thanksgiving and Christmas (both gift baskets and meals to shut-ins), the Take-a-Tag program to provide Christmas gifts to children, and back-to-school backpacks filled with school supplies.

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. 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 acknowledge all donations to the NHNF 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, Week 3:

• China Cuisine…………………………………….$1,000

• In loving memory of Gene Barrasso………..….$250

• Robert J. Cordy ………….……………………….…$150

• Remembering family and friends from Sandra and Ned Kershner……………$150

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

• In loving memory of Mazie ………………..….…$100

• In memory of “Chippo!” Merry Christmas from

Eric and Ariel…………………………………………….….$100

• Season’s Greetings Bob & Jean Germino……..$100

• Happy Holidays from Andy and Tracy Graham $100

• Mabel “Happy” DiFranza ……..……….…………$100

• Jacob and Susan Mosser ……………………..….$100

• In memory of Dan O’Donnell ……………….……. $50

• $10 (cash) in memory of Gigi Benjamin …………$10

• The Meli Family ……………………………..……..$200

• NRHS Class of 1988 …………………..……….…$120

• Jeffrey and Joan Legrow ……………….………..$100

• The Monday Bridge Club …………..………………$72

• Merry Christmas to all from the Webster/Sullivan family ………………..…$3,000

Week 3 subtotal …………………..……….…. $5,802

Previously acknowledged ………………….$18,300

New total ………………………….……………$24,102