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The local Elks chapter donated more than 100 canned goods to the food pantry for veterans at City Hall.

North Adams Elks Donate to Veterans Pantry

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
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Tina Samson, administrative assistant for Veterans Services, accepts $1,000 in gift cards for veterans from Anthony Sacco Jr.  
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Members of the North Adams Elks delivered more than 100 canned goods to replenish the Veterans Food Pantry at City Hall.
 
"It is overwhelming, and the Elks are only here to support us," Tina Samson, Veterans Services administrative assistant, said. "If I call them and tell them about a veteran family in need, these guys are right there to help." 
 
Elk Anthony Sacco Jr. said the donations were gathered from one of fraternity's poker tournaments. Participants would get extra chips if they brought in canned goods. 
 
"We had one whole tournament the other day and were able to collect all of this," Sacco said.
 
He also handed over $1,000 in gift cards purchased with funds raised from the tournament. These cards will be placed in holiday gift baskets for veterans.  
 
Samson said donations from the North Adams Elks have been a regular thing over the years 
 
"They are definitely an ongoing contributor to us and they always have been," she said.
 
Samson added they there is a larger need in the community now that the Adams pantry has closed. Also with the winter months approaching, more provisions are needed. 
 
Sacco said the donation aligns with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks' mission to never forget veterans. 
 
"There are a lot of homeless veterans and veterans in need, and we are here to help," Sacco said.
 

Tags: elks club,   veterans services,   

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MassDOT Warns of Toll-fee Smishing Scam

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation was alerted that a text message-based scam, also known as smishing, is fraudulently claiming to represent tolling agencies from across the country. The scammers are claiming to represent the tolling agency and requesting payment for unpaid tolls.

The targeted phone numbers seem to be chosen at random and are not uniquely associated with an account or usage of toll roads.

Customers who receive an unsolicited text, email, or similar message suggesting it is from EZDriveMA or another toll agency should not click on the link.

EZDriveMA customers can verify a valid text notification in several ways:

  • EZDriveMA will never request payment by text
  • All links associated with EZDriveMA will include www.EZDriveMA.com

The FBI says it has received more than 2,000 complaints related to toll smishing scams since early March and recommends individuals who receive fraudulent messages do the following:

1. File a complaint with the  Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov; be sure to include:

The phone number from where the text originated.
The website listed within the text

2. Check your account using the toll service's legitimate website.

3. Contact the toll service's customer service phone number.

4. Delete any smishing texts received.

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