United Way thanks anonymous donor

To the editor:

Despite the exciting sights, sounds, and celebrations of the holiday season, I cannot help but to be reminded of how much need there is in our communities. For those of us who work, volunteer, or support nonprofit human services programs, the holidays can be a difficult time of year, as we know all too well, there are many individuals and families less fortunate, at risk, and in need.

However, it was Tuesday evening, Dec. 22, when I came back to my office at United Way of Greater Attleboro/Taunton (UWGAT) to prepare a furniture donation pick-up for a partner agency the next morning, and found a Tupperware container full of coins left outside of our door. The container of money had no note, no one to acknowledge, and no instructions. I brought this container into the office and my eyes teared up as my heart was filled with warmth and joy. For I believe, this anonymous donor was giving their hard-earned money to those who needed it. And, they were not giving for the recognition of it.

This is not the first year we have received anonymous coin donations during the holiday season. Although our charitable work at UWGAT has no specific "giving" season, and we work year-round to share donor support, generosity, and blessings to those in need; this benevolent act exemplified the true meaning and spirit of altruism and compassion. In this difficult economy, every cent donated to this organization is so greatly appreciated and so desperately needed. So, to the anonymous donor(s): please accept our most heartfelt appreciation and thankfulness and know your contributions in the full amount of $70.67 will be used to support those programs and services that fulfill the mission of UWGAT in "...improving the quality of life for all of our neighbors." May you have a happy and healthy New Year. Dianne L. DePippo,

president of the United Way of Greater Attleboro/Taunton, Inc.

Norton High says thanks for help

To the editor:

The Norton High School Parent Advisory Board recently conducted a gift basket fundraiser, which raised funds to support Norton High School students and faculty. This fundraiser would not have been successful without the support of many Norton families. The Norton High Parent Advisory Boards extends extreme thanks to the following Norton High School families who contributed to this fundraiser:

Bergeron, Estano, Fogg, Fox, Gonsalves, Hannon, Ledbetter, O'Sullivan, Grimes, Twitchell, Walsh, Crugnale, Perry, Munger, McManus, Coleman, Acker, Daitch, Mackie, Anderson, DiLorenzo, O'Malley, Bashaw, Cantin, Levesque, Potvin, Pizura.

We would also like to thank Roche Bros. Supermarket for allowing us to display our baskets and sell chances for the baskets at the store. This was greatly appreciated. As always, they continue to support the local schools in their community.

Norton High School Parent Board

Thanks for Norton's Festival of Lights

To the editor: On behalf of the Norton Parks and Recreation Department, we would like to thank the community for coming out and enjoying a fun family night during the Festival of Lights and also for their generous donations to our department. It is because of these donations that we will be able to continue with our community events, run programs for everyone, and enjoy the town pool in the summer. We would also like to thank our sponsors, Dunkin' Donuts at 246 East Main St., for all of the hot chocolate, munchkins and the paper products; Dunkin' Donuts at 175 Mansfield Ave., for their donation of munchkins and doughnuts; and Roche Bros. for the delicious sugar cookies.

Also a big thank you to: Santa and Mrs. Claus; Bob Kimball for being our master of ceremonies; Terri Gary, singer; The Rev. Bernie Hinkley from the Trinitarian Church; Father Tremblay from St. Mary's Parish; Norton Fire Department; Norton Police Department; Norton Highway Department; Norton Water Department; Norton Community Lions Club; and also to the volunteers from The Martial Arts Connection. You all played an integral part and we are truly grateful.

Sheri Cohen, chairwoman of the Norton Parks and Recreation Department