The Community Chest - Not a Card in Monopoly

The Community Chest of Port Washington, 382 Main Street

So I must have passed the Community Chest building 100 times or more and always wondered what it was. To me, the Community Chest is a set of cards in Monopoly. But what they do is not a game. The Community Chest of Port Washington is a not-for-profit organization established in 1949 to raise funds for charities in the community. Their slogan is "The people of Port Helping the People of Port." Donations are distributed to 23 assorted causes such as helping out-of-work youths, programs for seniors, scholarships, child abuse prevention, child day care, food distribution, and more. They estimate that one in every four persons in Port will benefit from the services they provide.

The Community Chest also hosts events such as the annual Thanksgiving Day 5-mile run. Last year, over 1,400 runners/walkers participated in the run. This year's race is on November 27th. Check out their website for all of the upcoming events. Last year, the organization raised just under $320,000. The goal for next year is $335,000. Residents can track the progress of the current fundraising campaign by checking out the red feather signs (as above) at the Post Office, the LIRR Station, and in front of the Community Chest building (opposite the Town Dock). A brochure was mailed out in October; be on the lookout for it and please donate if you can.

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