The Douglas Common Preservation Society’s application for nonprofit designation as a 501c(3) public charity has been approved. 

The official name is Douglas Common Preservation Society, Inc. 

The organization has been working to beautify and maintain the Common since 1996 and will continue to carry out that charity.

According to Lynn Paresky, president, that means that all donations from the group’s supporters will be eligible to be tax deductible. The donations will coniue to be used exclusively to beautify and maintain the Common. All Society members are volunteer workers.

The organization’s status as a 501c(3) will provide a binding relationship with the town that has been ongoing for almost 30 years. It started with the gazebo being built, installation of the lanterns, planting a lawn, trees and flower beds on the banking and around the gazebo and putting in a number of benches where people can sit and relax while enjoying the Common.

The Common Preservation Society will continue to rely on donations from individuals and businesses to help pay for materials, supplies and expenses to keep the Common looking at its best through the seasons.

If you would like to make your tax-deductible donation to help with work at the Common, please send your check payable to: Douglas Common Preservation Society, Inc., 76 NW Main Street, Douglas MA 01516. Donations may also be made by Venmo@Kathleen-Sugrue-Richards (please indicate that it is a donation and supply your contact information). 

All sponsors receive recognition on the signs to be posted at the Common. There will be two signs – one for donations received January through June and one for donations received July though December. Memorial donations will also be acknowledged on the signs.