12 Stoneham residents to select local charities for $1,000 donations

This month, Cummings Properties is once again inviting all of its regular full-time staff members, including several Stoneham residents, to select local charities to receive $1,000 donations in their names from the Company.

“Employee Directed Giving” began in 2012 as a pilot program for staff with at least 10 years of service. It has since expanded to include every regular full-time employee of the 44-year-old Woburn-based commercial real estate firm, as well as its affiliated New Horizons retirement communities in Woburn and Marlborough.

“Employee Directed Giving allows the Company to support local communities while honoring colleagues for all of their hard work and dedication,” said Dennis Clarke, Cummings Properties’ president and CEO.

Designated nonprofits must meet the program’s eligibility requirements. For example, funds may not be donated for religious, lobbying, or political purposes. In addition, due to the Company’s focus on supporting local communities, charities must be based in and serve Middlesex, Essex, or Suffolk County, or the city or town in which the employee lives.

Cummings Properties has a direct presence in 10 greater Boston communities, including Stoneham, where it manages the buildings at 38, 41, and 92 Montvale Avenue. Twelve Cummings organization staff members reside in Stoneham, including Mike Lamothe, senior graphic designer for more than 13 years at the corporate headquarters in Woburn. For Lamothe, choosing a charity to support has been a family decision.

“My son spends a lot of time at Stoneham Boys & Girls Club; he especially likes the gym and the computer room. And my daughter volunteered to teach an art class there,” said Lamothe. “When it came time to select a charity, Boys & Girls Club was a logical choice for our family. Being able to give back to the community in this way makes you feel good.”

A total of 356 staff members are eligible to participate. Employees have until November 16 to select their nonprofit recipients. Checks will be distributed the week of Thanksgiving or shortly thereafter, either through the mail or by hand delivery.

“We are delighted with how enthusiastically our colleagues have embraced this program,” said Clarke, “In many cases, whole families participate together, from researching and selecting a charity to actually hand delivering the contribution.”

More information about Employee Directed Giving is available at www.cummingsproperties.com/employee_directed_giving.htm

PHOTO: Cummings Properties employees, including President and CEO Dennis Clarke (far right) are getting ready for another round of Employee Direct Giving.