Westwood Community Chest Seeking Donation and Offering Assistance

The Following was Submitted by Mary Beth Persons of Westwood Community Chest:

Westwood Community Chest (WCC) is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to helping Westwood residents in need through temporary financial assistance.  WCC helps individuals and families facing financial difficulties by awarding funds which help with basic needs such as housing costs, medical expenses, and utility payments.  WCC also grants Camperships, which are scholarships to summer camp for school-aged children.  Camperships provide the opportunity for physical, social, and emotional growth to Westwood children whose families could not otherwise afford summer programs. 

The continued difficult economy has increased the need for WCC’s help, and local families continue to feel the stress of unemployment, unexpected expenses, and fixed incomes.  Westwood Community Chest is funded entirely through donations, and the Board would like to thank those residents and businesses who have donated generously in the past, as well as those who will give during our annual appeal this fall.  Your generosity makes the work of the Westwood Community Chest possible.

“We’ve seen a steady increase in both the amount requested and the number of applications in the past few years,” says Mary Ellen LaRose, President of WCC. “In order to better fulfill the needs of our applicants, we are happy that we can raise our individual award to $600 and still grant as many awards. The residents of this town really help their neighbors.”

Applications for assistance from Westwood Community Chest are available at various locations in Westwood, including the Westwood Police Station and Fire Station, the Westwood Public Libraries on High Street and on Washington Street, Westwood Senior Center, Westwood Town Hall, Westwood Post Office on High Street, Westwood Recreation Office, and Westwood Youth and Family Services.  Applications can also be obtained online at our website.  The application process is strictly confidential.

We will also have a booth at Westwood Day on Saturday, September 22 from 10-2PM.  Stop by, play some games and check out our resources that will be available.

For more information about Westwood Community Chest or to download an application, visit our website at www.wcc.cfsites.org.  Donations are welcomed and accepted on an ongoing basis either on line or at Westwood Community Chest, P.O. Box 250, Westwood, MA 02090.