by Sylene Argent
On Monday evening, the Squires group at Holy Name of Jesus Church presented just over $500 to Essex Community Services. The Squires group earned the money this summer through hosting a bottle drive.
Chief Squire, Brennan Meloche, explained that the club’s ten members went door-to-door earlier this summer, collecting recyclables from area residents as part of the annual bottle drive.
This year, the Squires decided to forward the bottle drive proceeds to Essex Community Services. Meloche said the group chose Essex Community Services as the bottle drive benefactor this year, because the members wanted the ensure the money stayed local. They also wanted to support the programs and services the local organization provides for the community.
“This is fabulous,” Kelly Stack said, who is the Executive Director of Essex Community
Stack noted that when the minimum wage went up, funding did not for Essex Community Services, which has created a challenge. She noted that not all of Essex Community Services’ programs are funded, and, because of that, the local organization relies on donations and volunteers to ensure every program it offers can continue to be accessible to those in the community who need them.
“We are grateful to you,” Stack said to the Squires.
The Squires group is a leadership program for young men between the ages of ten and 18.
“We have a voice and we can do something with our talents and abilities,” Meloche said of being able to give back to the community. “It is great to see.”