One of the wonderful things about living in a small town is the willingness of its residents, both businesses and individuals, to come forward and support a worthwhile cause that makes their community better, and the Town of Douglas and Webster First Federal Credit Union live up to that standard. 

The Douglas Common Preservation Society, Inc. is a 501(c)(3)  nonprofit organization with a mission of maintaining and beautifying the town-owned Douglas Common, and we received a wonderful surprise call last month from the Douglas Branch of Webster First Federal Credit Union looking for information about all the work we do at the Common and telling us about their Jeans Day Program and their desire to support us.

“Webster First is a community focused credit union and many of our employees also live in the communities that we serve. That’s why we feel it’s so important to give back when we can. On the last Friday of the month, our employees donate $5 to dress casually for the day. Each month, a different branch chooses a local organization to donate those funds to so we can help communities throughout all of central Massachusetts and the greater Boston area. The Douglas Branch chose to make their Jeans Day donation to Douglas Common Preservation Society, Inc.,” explained Jenn Gosselin, the Douglas Branch Manager.

Jenn, accompanied by two other Webster First employees, Chloe Graca and Kelly Donnelly, were happy to present their $400 check to Douglas Common Preservation Society, Inc. Board Members, Lynn Paresky, Bonnie Lepage and Allyssa Gniadek on July 3rd at the Common.  

Their donation will help the Society with expenses associated with Fall beautification of the Common, including the purchase of mums for the garden surrounding the Soldiers Monument and for the planters at the gazebo as well as tulip bulbs for planting around the new replacement cherry trees.

Beautifying, maintaining and decorating the Common throughout the seasons is the work of the Society.  All members of the Society are volunteers who receive no compensation, so the Society relies on donations from the community, both individuals and businesses, for funding for all of its projects, including the fantastic Holiday Lights and decorations. If you would like to support us and help us bring the magic back to the Common this Holiday Season, please send your tax-deductible donation to:  Douglas Common Preservation Society, Inc., 76 NW Main St., Douglas, MA  01516.  Donations can also be made by Venmo to @Kathleen-Sugrue-Richards

- Submitted by Lynn Paresky