September 6, 2012
New York

Hammond citizens give back

By AMANDA PURCELL | The Journal | www.ogd.com 6 September 2012

HAMMOND – What began as a grassroots effort to monitor the progress of commercial wind development in the community has become a means to strengthen community spirit.

In addition to providing education on the complications of industrial wind energy, the Concerned Residents of Hammond have partnered with the Chippewa Bay community to raise close to $2,000 for local organizations in the last four years.

“It was something we wanted to do to branch out, and its an attempt to establish camaraderie,” said President Mary D. Hamilton. “One of the things we felt drawn to was supporting organizations already in place within the community.”

Annually, the group holds a fundraiser, inviting residents to raise money for community organizations. This year they donated $200 each to five recipients: the Hammond Food Pantry, the Hammond Museum, the Chippewa Fish and Game Club, Hammond Volunteer Fire and Rescue, and the Hammond Library.

The Chippewa Bay Fish and Game Club requested that their donation be given to the fire department in order to help them reach their goal of purchasing a new defibrillator.

“We were amazed that they would forgo their donation and give it to another organization,” said Mrs. Hamilton. “It’s a great display of community spirit.”

“The community does a lot for us, and we wanted to give back to the community,” said Fish and Game Club member Bentley J. Aiken.

Club members also donated $500 to the fire department earlier in the year, he said.

An ice cream and cupcake fundraiser held at the Chippewa Bay Community Center was also a great way to gather the community, Mrs. Hamilton said.

“We also were able to get some of the summer residents involved,” said Mrs. Hamilton.

Mrs. Hamilton said the donations are in line with the group’s mission to support and enhance the quality of life in Hammond.

“There is a lot of good that comes out when you give back,” said Mrs. Hamiliton.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/09/06/hammond-citizens-give-back/