October 25, 2010

Photo Finish from the Oct. 25, 2010 issue

Southbridge Credit Union's Community Champions Fund recently donated $1,000 to the Center of Hope in Southbridge for its summer programs. The Center, run by Southern Worcester County Arc Inc., serves 400 people with disabilities, providing employment services, day programs and children's support programs. Pictured: Lismarie Collazo, SCU loan originator (second from left), Jenna Lohnes and Chad Krause of the Center of Hope (center, holding check), Paul D. Raffa, the credit union's business development manager (back left) and other Center of Hope staff and volunteers.

Southbridge Savings Bank has donated $500 to sponsor the Legal Assistance Corp. of Central Massachusetts. The organization provides free legal service to low-income and elderly people in Worcester County. The donation will help the program hire an AmeriCorps member for a year to help clients access services including housing, unemployment compensation and Social Security benefits. Pictured, from left to right, Sheila Veideman, associate vice president and senior branch manager of the bank, and Jonathan Mannian of LACCM.

Dunkin' Donuts brought members of the Boys & Girls Club of Worcester, DCU for Kids and the Worcester Police Department's Gang Unit to a recent Boston Red Sox game. Participants spent the game at the â€œDunkin' Dugoutâ€ section of Fenway Park's bleachers. The Dunkin' Dugout ticket program is part of an effort by the Canton-based chain to host youth and charitable groups at various sporting events and shows.

Bank of America recently donated $10,278 to the United Way of North Central Massachusetts. The bank has supported United Way programs for more than 70 years, with both financial donations and volunteer hours. Pictured, from left to right, Peter Thomas, chief professional officer, United Ways of New England; Edwin Shea Jr., Bank of America's Worcester market president, and Phil Grzewinski, president of United Way of North Central Massachusetts.

Walmart recently donated $50,000 to support the Special Olympics of Massachusetts. Store managers presented the gift at Yawkey Sports Center in Marlborough. Pictured, with Special Olympians, are State Rep. Danielle Gregoire of Marlborough (far left), Robert Johnson, President of Special Olympics of Massachusetts (back row, center), Ron DeNapoli, Walmart Regional Manager (back row behind check) and State Senator James Eldridge of Acton (back row, far right).