Pittsfield Church Collecting 'Soles' For Goodwill

Print Story | Email Story
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The religious education classes of St. Mark's Church will organize a "Search for Soles" collection in December to benefit Goodwill of the Berkshires.

As part of this program, the Goodwill accepts shoes in any condition, including tennis shoes, boots, sandals, pumps or even flip-flops. Shoes in good condition will be placed for resale in the Goodwill retail stores here in the Berkshires and Southern Vermont. All other shoes are bundled and sold to a recycling company, keeping them out of landfills.

"Donation drives help fund Goodwill job training programs that provide individuals with the opportunity to experience the dignity of work," said Frank Engels, CEO of Goodwill Industries of the Berkshires. "St. Mark's annual Search for Soles supports critical community programs, like Suit Yourself, a referral service providing workplace attire for those entering or re-entering the work force."

The parish will have drop-off bins available at the 400 West St. church on Sundays, Dec. 11 and 18. For more information: www.goodwill-berkshires.org or 413-442 0061.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Multiple Departments Respond to Lanesborough Structure Fire

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — Multiple fire departments responded to a structure fire off Narragansett Avenue on Wednesday afternoon. 

The Fire Department received a call from the owner of 6 Bangor St. reporting a smoke and flames at around 1:44 p.m.

Firefighters arriving on scene reported heavy smoke emanating from the the 1940s single-family ranch home in the thickly settle neighborhood.

The blaze was brought under control in less than an hour and there were no civilian or firefighter injuries. 

"The homeowner was outside doing some work, evidently, opened the door when she came back in the house, and there were flames and smoke, so she backed out and called us, and that's all we know right now," Deputy Fire Chief Glen Storie said around 2:35 p.m. 

The fire was out at that time, and first responders observed "quite a bit of damage" to the home. The cause is still under investigation. 

Lanesborough, Cheshire, and Pittsfield departments responded to the scene, and Hancock covered the station during the call. 

"The first crew in knocked the fire right down with the first engine," Storie said. 

Smoke could be seen coming from the back of the home. Part of Narragansett Avenue and Bangor Avenue were blocked off while firefighters battled the blaze. 

 

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories