There are as many reasons to give to COMECC as there are organizations to choose from. Three longtime UMass Medical School employees and COMECC contributors talk about why they give.
The 2013 campaign ends just before Thanksgiving on Wednesday, Nov. 27.
COMECC offers more than 1,000 screened nonprofits to choose from, including local, regional, national and international agencies dedicated to education, health, human services, the environment and more. COMECC allows all donors to choose where their dollars will go.
Contributing is easy and only takes a few minutes. Either complete the paper pledge form and return it to your department’s COMECC team leader or contribute online using the COMECC website.
All employees who donate by close of business on Nov. 27 (including those who have already donated) will be entered into a raffle for 25 pairs of tickets to the Hanover Theatre’s classic production of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.
Karen Welch, who is secretary to the chair of the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Pharmacology, has been giving through COMECC since she started working for UMass Medical School in 1986. “I don’t remember not giving,” said Welch. “There are so many people in need. Whether due to disease, financial burden, substance dependence . . . it’s endless. I am very lucky. I’m healthy, I have a great job, a roof over my head . . . I feel that it’s my ‘duty’ to give back . . . I want to give back. I give what I can. I wish it was more! If we all give a little, it helps a lot!”
Nicole Small, who has been working at UMMS since 2006 and is currently an administrative coordinator for the deputy chief operating officer of Commonwealth Medicine, has contributed to COMECC every year that it was economically feasible for her and her family. “I give because even a small contribution can make a difference in someone’s life,” said Small. “There are people within our communities who struggle for their next meal and if even a small part of my donation helps these individuals, then I am making a difference.”
Annette Stratton, who has been at UMMS for 25 years and currently is assistant to the deans in the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, puts it very simply. “I give because I feel grateful,” said Stratton. She has been contributing to COMECC for as long as she can remember.
