Thru the Lens: Cummings Properties donates $111,000 to local charities in the Staff Giving on Thanksgiving program

Given its close affiliation with Cummings Foundation, Cummings Properties is no stranger to philanthropy. The suburban commercial real estate firm is taking an unusual approach to giving this holiday season, however, by asking its longtime staff members to select local charities that will collectively receive $111,000 in donations. Through the new Staff Giving on Thanksgiving program, employees with 10 or more years of seniority with the Cummings organization were each invited to choose a locally based not-for-profit to receive a $1,000 donation. Some charities will receive up to $4,000, as a result of multiple nominations. The diverse group of recipients includes many suburban organizations, such as Woburn Council of Social Concern and the Protection of Animals in Wakefield Society, as well as Boston-based charities, such as Boston Children's Hospital and New England Center for Homeless Veterans. Not-for-profits in Woburn, the city where Cummings Properties has been operating for more than 40 years, will receive the most contributions, totaling $18,000. Cummings Properties president and CEO Dennis Clarke said, "Cummings Properties has always been extremely active in local philanthropy. This year, the Company is delighted to do something extra special by involving more than 100 staff members in this new donation program. It is truly our pleasure to support such deserving local charities during the holiday season, especially knowing that they are so meaningful to our most senior colleagues." Cummings Properties distributed the donations during the week of Thanksgiving. Some of the Cummings Properties employees who participated in the program are (from left): Back row: Erving Rodriguez, Bob Heffernan, Justin Magee, Eric Sanderson, Martin Nelson, Derek Russell, Joel Swets, and Dennis Clarke. Front row: George Holland, Erica Wright, Diane Metcalf, Laurie Glasser, and Greg Ahearn.