Letter: Let's carry on the giving season beyond holidays

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January 1, 2013

Letter: Let's carry on the giving season beyond holidays

Anonymous Gloucester Daily Times The Gloucester Daily Times Tue Jan 01, 2013, 12:00 AM EST

To the editor:

As we put away the presents and holiday trimmings, I am reflecting on the wonderful spirit of giving I experienced in our community these last few months.

Food was donated, cooked, delivered and served to hundreds of local families. Gifts were purchased and wrapped to make sure that North Shore families facing financial challenges had a happy holiday this year. Nearly every day, the paper reported on one or more generous donations given to a local pantry, or other charity.

Here at the North Shore United Way, we connected a local company with a low-income child care center, supported by the NSUW. Employees adopted 15 of the families most in need at the center — families whose No. 1 wish on their holiday wish lists was food for their children. The employees responded with overwhelming generosity to provide food and other basic necessities for these families and, in turn, they got back the true sense of purpose and meaning for this holiday season.

All these efforts helped ensure that no one needed to go without a warm meal, gifts, and the knowledge that we live in a caring community.

As we’ve passed through the winter solstice, I look with hope to the prospect of renewed light shining through the darkness of the tragedy in Connecticut. We remember, too, the passing of several long-time NSUW friends who leave behind a legacy of generosity and caring for their community.

North Shore United Way is helping to meet the short and long-term needs of our communities. I encourage you to extend your generosity to the community through the North Shore United Way by making a gift or volunteering your time.

You can find opportunities to get involved at our website: www.nsuw.org or by calling us at 978.922.3966 or email me at mcasey@nsuw.org.

MARGO CASEY

Executive Director,

North Shore United Way, Beverly