Letter to the Editor: Holiday Assistance Fund Preparing to Help Families Again This Year

To the editor:

The Hamilton-Wenham Holiday Assistance Fund, a 501(c) (3) organization, is preparing to assist families in our towns in need of support during the holiday season. Each year the success of the fund relies entirely on donations from members of the community.

All donations go directly to families with school-age children who attend our public schools. The funds provide food, clothing, games, books, school supplies as well as gift cards to various stores. In 2011 the fund provided gifts and food for 48 children in Hamilton and Wenham.

Each fall the fund coordinator meets with school adjustment councilors to review the program and identify families in need. Families qualify through teacher referrals, and extenuating circumstances agreed upon by the school.

The program is sponsored by individuals, groups, and volunteers within the two towns.

An individual or organization may volunteer to provide a gift, or gifts, for a child, or family. Donations of money as well as gift cards to local grocery stores are greatly appreciated.

All donations are tax deductible and my be made out to:

Hamilton-Wenham Holiday Assistance Fund

9 Larch Row

Wenham, MA 01984

All gifts and donations must be received by Dec. 10. For more information, please contact fund coordinator, Patricia Purdy, at 978-468-7049

Patricia Purdy

Larch Row

Wenham