Winchester Residents Returning Favor to DPW Workers
With plow drivers working around the clock this winter, a Winchester woman is returning the favor.
Melanie Carden started a GoFundMe page on February 19th with a goal of raising $600 to give her town’s Department of Public Works employees Dunkin’ Donuts gift cards. In just 24 hours, she raised $1,750. Now, she’s buying lunch.
“I really wanted to just do some positive in the midst of the stress, and the DPW staff is a shining example of people rising to the occasion under difficult circumstances,’’ the 40-year-old private chef told Boston.com. “I feel like focuses on that might help us to remember that we’re all in this together.’’
“I thought a lot of people would pitch in a few dollars, but was taken back by the overall total,’’ Carden added. “I think it speaks volumes. The DPW in town has tremendous support.’’
Another Winchester resident, Ramona Black, notified Boston.com about Carden’s plan.
“DPW does such an amazing job,’’ she said. “It’s so nice of Melanie to do this. She really feels it’s important to let the DPW know how grateful the residents are.’’
Jay Gill, Winchester’s DPW director, was touched by the gesture.
“When I heard about Carden’s fundraiser, I was so happy that the residents stepped up like this and helped these employees by doing something nice,’’ he said.
Gill has been proud of his employees’ work during the past few storms.
“They’ve done an outstanding job keeping our streets passable,’’ he said. “Everyone has been working around the clock. I am very lucky as the director to have such an outstanding staff.’’
The lunch date for thanking the DPW workers in Winchester hasn’t been announced yet.
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