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| By G. Michael Dobbs Managing Editor CHICOPEE There's a major change with this year's Jimmy's Stuff the Stocking Campaign. The goal of the homegrown charity helping needy Chicopee residents is the same, but this year the organization has been granted non-profit status. Jorge Morgado, a member of the Campaign committee, explained the designation would allow the group to solicit larger donations from businesses and give donors a tax deduction. The charity was founded by the late James Stefanik to help out needy children, families and seniors at the holidays. Last year the Campaign raised over $30,000 to pay for presents given to 319 families, including 795 children and 53 senior citizens. The recipients are nominated through the school system. Members of the Jimmy's Stuff the Stocking Campaign met on Nov. 6 in Mayor Michael Bissonnette's office to kick off this year's effort. Morgado said the committee's volunteers work hard to raise the necessary funding every year and he believes it will be easier since donors can now claim a tax deduction. He believes the level of need will be about the same as last year and he added that committee members would like to expand the services of the charity to a year-round status. He said, for example, if a family suffered a tragedy such as a house fire, the committee members would like to do something to help that family. Having the non-profit status should help increase fund-raising. The base of support is still grassroots in nature, Morgado said, with much of the money raised through the special fund-raising events that have become traditions in the city. The first event will be the spaghetti supper at the Chicopee Lodge of Elks on Granby Road from 4 to 7 p.m. Nov. 16. The cost is $5 for adults and $3 for seniors and children under 12. Children under the age of three are free. The second event will be the Holiday breakfast at the Moose Family Center on Dec. 10 from 8 a.m. to noon. Morgado said that all contributions are welcome and those interested in making a donation can contact him at 237-5316 or Ron Simard at 594-3417. |