Employees at Cummings direct $549,000 to local nonprofits

Woburn, MA Greater Boston nonprofits are celebrating the season with a collective $549,000 in funding awarded via Cummings Community Giving. Through this annual initiative, commercial real estate firm Cummings Properties invites staff to each direct up to $2,000 from the company to a nonprofit of their choosing.

The program, now in its 13^th year, intends to support the communities where employees at the company live and work. Nearly 240 organizations in approximately 100 local cities and towns will benefit from this cycle of Cummings Community Giving.

“Many of our team members look forward to this program all year,” said chairman and CEO Dennis Clarke. “Beyond being a feel-good employee benefit, it’s a great way to show our staff firsthand what they’re working toward at Cummings Properties.”

According to Clarke, and the firm’s newly adopted tagline, 100% of all profits go to nonprofits at Cummings.

“It’s important to us that colleagues have regular opportunities to actively participate in the Company’s mission,” said Clarke.

Cummings senior administrative assistant Christine Lane, a 33-year Medford resident, split her donation. Lane directed $1,000 each to West Medford Community Center and Malden Warming Center, a temporary night center for individuals experiencing housing insecurity during the winter months.

“This was my first experience with Cummings Community Giving, and it was powerful,” said Lane, who joined Cummings in August.

“Having the opportunity to give back in this way makes me feel really good about where I work.”

Cummings Community Giving is open to staff at Cummings Properties as well as its affiliated senior living communities, New Horizons at Choate, and New Horizons at Marlborough.

Cristina Barreira, who is housekeeping supervisor for the 400-resident New Horizons at Marlborough, directed $2,000 to Brazilian American Center (BRACE). Framingham-based BRACE serves individuals of all nationalities who have immigrated to the U.S.

“BRACE does so much to help those in need around the MetroWest,” said Barreira. “My donation will help fund Christmas baskets and holiday meals for community members are struggling.”

Each eligible nonprofit may receive up to $6,000 per cycle. Through this year’s employee cycle, 15 recipients reached the maximum, including Andrew’s Helpful Hands, of Hudson; Animal Rescue League of Boston; Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton; Boston Children’s Hospital; the city of Marlborough (for the Senior Center and Recreation Department); and Millis Mohawk Boosters.