Melrose Emergency Fund Tops $40,000 In Annual Fundraiser

MELROSE, MA — The Melrose Emergency Fund's annual fundraiser topped $40,000, according to city officials.

"I have been amazed and touched by our community’s response to this year’s fund-raiser,” said Mayor Paul Brodeur in a statement. "It has been truly heartwarming to see people coming together to help their neighbors. You are what makes our community strong. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."

The Emergency Fund provides one-time help for residents in what are deemed financial emergencies. Usually the Council on Aging staff takes requests, meets with the applicant, determines how much a person might need from the fund and administers the aid with no administrative cost.

As of last July, the Emergency Fund paid out $22,385.59 in 2019, according to records provided to Patch. Much of it went to things like rent and food cards.

At the time, the Emergency Fund had about $171,000.

Residents can donate by sending a check to Melrose Emergency Fund, Mayor’s Office, 562 Main St., Melrose, MA 02176 or bringing a check to the 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. For more information, call 781-979-4440.

Below are a list of recent donors provided by the city:

• Shelley and Stephen Finley
• Linda Matarazzo
• Lynda Morgenroth
• John and Shirley Jones
• Miles and Linda Hapgood
• Marianne Dwyer
• Christine and Kenneth McCormick, in appreciation of the hosts of the Mooreland
• Road Holiday Stroll – Leah & Dave Teeven, Vicki & Bill Frawley, Andrea & Mark
• Garipay
• George Proakis and Lisa Loveland
• Marita Crowley
• Teresa Peters, in memory of Brendan Woodworth
• Marcia Sullivan
• Dr. Ronald Sen
• Philip and Nancy Kukura
• Mary Gregorio
• Matt Starr
• Marty Gardner
• Anne Rebecca Starr and Marc Norvig
• The Nevin Family
• Adam and Serena Brown
• Buckalew's General Store
• Green Street Baptist Church
• Michael Interbartolo
• Thomas and Lorraine Rossi