Ted and Deborah Luszey (center) of Operation Care for Troops with one of the eight donations presented by The Nash Casino on April 22. They are shown with the casino's General Manager Eric Althaus and Marketing Director Christine Latino. Telegraph photo by CHRISTOPHER ROBERSON

NASHUA – Just one month after opening its doors, The Nash Casino donated a stunning total of $1.5 million to eight nonprofit organizations throughout southern New Hampshire.

The ability to make such a large donation in four weeks is unprecedented in New Hampshire’s gaming industry. According to the state Lottery Commission, in February, the other 12 casinos in the state averaged $187,710 in charity gaming revenue for a collective total of $2.2 million.

“To give out money like this to charities, there’s really no better feeling,” said Nash General Manager Eric Althaus. “It really does feel great.”

Matthew Fentross, executive director of Nashua Children’s Home, said that for years, charitable gaming revenue has been crucial to his organization, which received $211,998 from The Nash.

“This year, we are implementing the use of electronic medical records, which will further advance our mission in supporting the children and young adults we serve,” he said. “The charitable gaming revenue will help in this regard.”

Brian Tagliaferro of Welcoming Light (center) with one of the eight donations presented by The Nash Casino on April 22. He is shown with the casino's General Manager Eric Althaus and Marketing Director Christine Latino. Telegraph photo by CHRISTOPHER ROBERSON

Robert Hesseltine of the Corpus Christi Food Pantry said he was “very surprised” to receive a check for $211,998.

“I imagine a lot of it will go to the (food pantry’s) Assistance Program,” he said, adding that the donation arrived just as the budget process was getting underway.

Hesseltine also said he was in attendance when the casino opened last month.

“It’s unbelievable,” he said. “It’s great for Nashua.”

Deborah Luszey, president of Operation Care for Troops, said the check for $192,288 will help with the cost of purchasing and shipping products such as hydration and high-end protein drink mixes to troops around the world.

Michael and Karen Baillargeon of the New Hampshire Police, Fire and EMS Foundation (center) with one of the eight donations presented by The Nash Casino on April 22. They are shown with the casino's General Manager Eric Althaus and Marketing Director Christine Latino. Telegraph photo by CHRISTOPHER ROBERSON

“It is very expensive,” she said.

Luszey said her organization also serves homeless and at-risk veterans, particularly during the harsh winter months. She said she is typically only able to buy a few pairs of heavy duty winter socks, which can cost up to $20.

“I can now have bundles,” she said.

In addition, Luszey said Operation Care for Troops depends heavily on charity gaming revenue, adding that she spoke in favor of the casino when it was presented to the Planning Board.

“If this money isn’t available, we go away,” she said.

Kennedy Dowling and Oscar Villacis of the Nashua Children's Home (center) with one of the eight donations presented by The Nash Casino on April 22. They are shown with the casino's General Manager Eric Althaus and Marketing Director Christine Latino. Telegraph photo by CHRISTOPHER ROBERSON

Robert Hesseltine of the Corpus Christi Food Pantry (center) with one of the eight donations presented by The Nash Casino on April 22. He is shown with the casino's General Manager Eric Althaus and Marketing Director Christine Latino. Telegraph photo by CHRISTOPHER ROBERSON