The National Alliance on Mental Illness Holiday Gift Bags09:41AM / Thursday, November 19, 2009
The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Berkshire County invites its members and the community to participate in our annual holiday collection and distribution of gift bags to the patients in the hospital psychiatric wards at Berkshire Medical Center and at North Adams Regional Hospital. "The holiday season can be a time to acknowledge all that is positive in our lives and to focus on others who may not be so fortunate", said, Marsha Burniske, chairperson.
NAMI-BC will be collecting clothing donations, filling holiday bags and looking for new ideas for items that would be appreciated by both patients and staff. We invite you to drop off new or used clothing in good condition; the larger sizes are most needed-- from coats and active wear, such as, sweatpants and sweatshirts, to undergarments. Other items that could be well used are magazine or newspaper subscriptions, movies, books, writing pads and small things that will fit into holiday gifts bags such as note paper, pens, socks, flip-flops, playing cards, games, hats, gloves, travel size shampoo and conditioner, soaps, nail polish, candy and pocket calendars.
If anyone is interested in volunteering to pack these gift bags or to transport everything to the hospitals, please call the NAMI-BC office at 413-443-1666. As always, monetary donations are gratefully accepted and checks can be made out to NAMI-BC. This year, items can be dropped off at the NAMI-BC office during their regular hours which are Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., State Building, 4th Floor, 133 East St., (across from Pittsfield High School), Pittsfield, MA 01201; or in Williamstown at the First Congregational Church, office of the secretary, Gail Burns, 906 Main Street; please use the entrance off Chapin Drive, during regular office hours which are Monday-Friday from 9 - 3:30, or Sunday during worship. |
