Helping Hands

Jingle Bell Run raises $12,000

Jinmgle Bell Run-8The final receipts are in, pushing the total raised during this year’s Helping Hands Jingle Bell run to a record $12,000. The run, which raises money for the area’s needy, cost nothing to put on, thanks to organizer Dave Gorman and dozens of contributors.

Financial stresses don’t end with holiday season


Jonathan Carlson of Self Help Inc. said unemployment has forced many to ask for heating assistance and more for the first time. The Salvation Army has also seen a steep increase in requests from people who don’t quite know where to go or how to ask.

Brockton teen reaches out to help others

Aka-4Lots of people reach out to others during the holidays, but Ashley Aka of Brockton sees the need to help throughout the year. A nursing student, she works at the Charity Guild, the Brockton agency that offers a food pantry, emergency clothing and other services to those in the city and beyond.

Brockton Rox share holiday cheer

The Brockton Rox hosted a Christmas dinner for about 400 children and their families at The Shaw's Center in Brockton on Tuesday night. Children enjoyed entertainment and received toys and the Rox offered tickets for a donation to The Enterprise's Helping Hands Fund.

Nursing student still finds time to help at Charity Guild

Ashley Aka, 19, a student at Brockton Hospital School of Nursing, has served as both a volunteer and employee at the Charity Guild, one of the organizations that benefits from Helping Hands.

Signature Healthcare employees skip holiday party for charity

There will be no holiday party for the 2,000 employees of Signature Healthcare this year, and that’s just the way they want it. The Brockton-based healthcare system, comprised of Brockton Hospital and several doctor practices, has donated $10,000 to charities this year instead of holding a party for its employees.

First round of grants awarded

A total of $27,750 was distributed to 17 charitable organizations from the fund that is supported by readers’ donations. One hundred percent of the money collected goes to charities that provide food, shelter and other necessities for the needy.

Brockton man remembers late wife with donation

When Denis J. Gallagher wrote a check for the Helping Hands Fund, it came from his heart.

Family carries on tradition of ‘Nana Sully’s Nickels’

pariseau-1.jpgDorothy Sullivan liked nothing better than playing nickel bingo with her friends at Caffrey Towers in Brockton, and she would send her winnings to Helping Hands  in memory of her granddaughter, Michelle Pariseau, who died as an infant. Mrs. Sullivan died in 2007, but her family is carrying on with the tradition.

Back on her feet, Brockton woman giving back

When Rosa Nicholas fell on tough times, the Lutheran Church was there for her. Now, back on her feet, Nicholas is helping others who are in need.