Fund drives such as the Item Santa’s need a lot of community involvement if they’re to succeed.
Nobody knows that more than the employees at General Electric’s River Works plant in Lynn. The GE Good Neighbor Fund is comprised of employees who work in the West Lynn Plant, and over the years it has been more than generous to the Item Santa fund.
Among the first donations notated on this year’s Santa list is a $35,000 gift from the Good Neighbor Fund. Rich Gorham, who works in global communications at the River Works, has been involved with the Good Neighbor Fund his entire GE career. And he understands the importance of being a good corporate citizen.
“The focus of the fund is on Lynn and other communities where our employees work and live,” Gorham said. “We try to donate to a lot of different things: health and human services, educational benefits, people who are having issues or who are struggling.
“We are very proud of our history of contributing to different charities within our community.”
He adds that the Good Neighbor Fund is not a direct corporate donation.
“It’s been all employee giving for 50 years,” Gorham said. “All our contributions come from people who work here.”
Gorham at one time was on the board of directors, which determines where the fund wants to donate its money. Early on, the Item Santa Fund was chosen as one of those charities.
“There are a lot of people in the community who are less fortunate, and we are certainly proud to be able to support those folk,” Gorham said.
The Item, and the Salvation Army — which partners with the paper in its annual drive — is certainly grateful to GE and its employees for their continued generosity. Item Santa wouldn’t know where he’d be were it not for the commitment organizations such as the Good Neighbor Fund make toward his efforts.
In years past, today would be the first day of the fund drive. This year, we decided to start it a week early to give people a little more time due to the lateness of Thanksgiving. We hope that the extra week results in more money for toys, and perhaps some winter necessities that will make someone’s Christmas memorable. It could be as simple as a warm apartment, a good meal, a book or a piece of clothing. Whatever it is, all it can do is help. Please help.
Now in its 53rd year, the Item Santa fund helps to make Christmas brighter for the needy. To donate, clip the coupon in The Item and mail it, along with your check, to The Item Salvation Army Santa, PO Box 5, Lynn, MA 01903.
There is also a way to donate online, and have your contributions acknowledged, just click on the following link: https://newitemlive.wpengine.com/itemsanta.
All donations are listed in Item print editions through the month of December and into 2020, along with a brief message from each donor, if desired.
NOTE: The application period for aid from Item Santa has closed and The Item does not process applicants. All questions about the program and distribution of gifts should be directed to Salvation Army at 781-598-0673.
