Melrose Emergency Fund Nets More Than $22K In December

MELROSE, MA — The Melrose Emergency Fund received more than $22,000 in donations during a holiday burst of giving, the city announced last week.

"I want to thank each and every person who has stepped up this past month and answered our call to action," Melrose Mayor Paul Brodeur said in a release.

The Emergency Fund is meant to provide one-time help to Melrose residents in need, helping them with basic costs such as food, fuel, housing and more. The most recent filings show the fund had $87,859.50 in it as of Sept. 30.

"This year, we’ve seen an unprecedented amount of generosity from our community members, and not just in their financial support of the Emergency Fund. Hundreds of people have also provided diapers for families with toddlers and infants and volunteered their valuable time at COVID-19 clinics. It’s clear that Melrose has a lot of love to give, and I am deeply touched by the way our community continues to come together to help keep each other safe, secure and healthy all year-round."

The purpose of the Emergency Fund is to provide one-time help to Melrose residents. It was revamped last summer with an advisory board and new director.

Recent donors include:

• Beth and Tug Yourgrau
• John P. Vetere and Christine M. Vetere
• Marcia Orlowski
• Maureen Buzby
• Michael Interbartolo Jr.
• Jerold Larrsson
• Michele Ford Guihan
• Charles C. Wasgutt and Catherine E Curtis
• Mary Ellen McNamara
• Robert D Lynch
• Vincent & Sandra Nagle
• Robert & Kathleen A Rotondi
• C. Wendell Smith and Andrea Gilbert
• Linda A Hedetniemi
• Melrose Emblem Club No, 89
• Martin E. & Mary E. Robichaud
• Marie A. Ryan
• Ellen M. Crocker
• Robert Ruzzo
• James and Maureen Dagle, in honor of Dagle Electrical

• Paula Sen, in honor of Ronald and Ellen Sen
• Ronald Harding and Deborah Harding
• Donna M. Albertelli
• Richard P. McConville and Patricia P. McConville, in memory of Bill Deane

• J. Victor Amirault and Glenda J. Amirault
• S.M. Shinkwin and J.W. Shinkwin
• Barvara A. Leedham and Paul J. Leedham
• Joseph P. Nevin, Jr. and Janet M. Nevin
• Anthony J. Schena and Carol J. Schena
• Leslie A. Landry
• Michael L. Morris and Susan P. Morris
• Evan J. Zahner and Lea A. Fasano

Donations are accepted throughout the year and can be made via check to Melrose Emergency Fund, Mayor's Office, 562 Main St., Melrose, MA 02176, or brought tothe Mayor's Office on the second floor of City Hall. Checks should be made out to the City of Melrose, with "Melrose Emergency Fund" in the memo line. Contributions may also be made through the City of Melrose Online Bill Payments webpage, www.cityofmelrose.org/payments. For questionsregarding the Emergency Fund, call (781) 979-4440.