In October, the Community Chest of Port Washington officially launchedtheir 2018 fundraising campaign.  Lawn signs with the slogan “we live here, we give here,” arepopping up across Port Washington.  These signs are meant to inform residents about thecampaign and urge them to support the cause.

Money raised by the Community Chest will go towards organizations that support PortWashington residents in need, such as children and senior citizens.  Such programs are selectedby the Community Chest through grant requests and thoroughly reviewed in order to ensure that residents’ donations are going to a worthy and reputable cause.

“It’s great that the CommunityChest is reaching out to the Port Washington community more this year,” said junior Frank DiCaro.  “My family and I loverunning the Turkey Trot, which I know they are involved in.”

Currently, the Chest provides funding to 26 non-profit organizations that serve 6,500Port Washington residents.  These organizations include Port Washington Youth Council, PortCounseling Center, LI Alzheimer’s Foundation, Plant a Row for the Hungry, Port CounselingCenter, Port Washington Twin Pines, Port Summer Show, PW SEPTA, and many other locally based community programs.

“I think it’s amazing that the community is raising money to donate to organizations that benefit other people in community, especially those in need,” said junior Julianna Marinelli. According to officials from the Community Chest, it is crucial to give back to the community by helping fellow Port residents in need. By using the slogan “we live here, we give here,” the Community Chest hopes to be able to help combat this need by encouraging Port Washington residents to help other fellow community members.

“It’s a really great organization and it can really benefit so many people in the community,” said senior Maddy Wiener.

To kick off its campaign, the Chest is distributing car flags, hanging store posters, and paintingwindows.  In order to support to the cause, residents can go to the Community Chest website atwww.portchest.org, either to make an online monetary contribution, or even to find out how to volunteer for the organization.

“It’s wonderful that the Community Chest is looking out for thecommunity and raising money specifically to help those in Port Washington,” said junior Sydney Kass.