NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — A collaboration of local community agencies have ensured that several hundred local children will have warm coats this winter.
The Rotary Clubs of North Adams and Williamstown, Berkshire Community Action Council, Northern Berkshire United Way, Santa Fund and the Elks Club of North Adams provided $4,455 to purchase 300 brand-new winter coats purchased from Operation Warm.
Volunteers from these local groups spent Saturday morning distributing the coats at Berkshire Family and Individual Resources.
"Today has run very efficient and smooth thanks to all our many volunteers from the organizations that have supported this process," said NBUW Executive Director Christa Collier. "And we have had a great response from the families that have received coats.
"They've all been very thankful and happy to get these warm coats for the winter."
BFAIR provided the use of its front portico so families could drive up to receive their coats safely and volunteers could stay under cover. The coats were sorted and bagged by staff at Berkshire Community Action Council, which also collected and collated the applications.
More than 200 coats were expected to be distributed but there were still a few left by the end of the morning. BCAC Deputy Director Aleta Moncecchi said she and her staff would be following up with families who didn't come on Saturday.
"They might not have had a car, a couple we're going to try to take the bus but we're gonna make sure the coats get out," she said. "We also have the ELF Program going on, which is the warm clothing ... The idea was for them to get their coats sooner and we're hoping every year we can push this up and get more coats out."
Operation Warm is a nonprofit that works directly with manufacturers to produce its line of colorful, high-quality coats for kids. Each coat comes with a fleece-lined detachable hood and deep pockets, and are machine washable. Operation Warm partners with hundreds of organizations across the country who raise funds and order coats in bulk to give to children in their communities.
Collier said the community's most vulnerable children have felt the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and that going back to school includes many challenges but being cold should not be one of them.
It's estimated more than 800 children in North Berkshire are in need of winter coats. Saturday's distribution included the first 300 and another 500 children will be supported through BCAC's ELF Program with fundraising through December.
The goal for next year is to secure increased funding and partners by Sept. 1 to provide all 800 coats by October.
"It's been great to see everybody come through, the setup is great," said Rebecca Dravis of the Northern Berkshire Santa Fund. "The weather's been pretty good and everything is going smoothly. And it's great to see so many people come out to help out the community."
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
Your Comments
iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.
No Comments
Spectrum Cable Hearing Set in North Adams
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — A public hearing for the renewal of the cable television contract for four North Berkshire communities will be held on Wednesday, April 24, at 6 p.m. at City Hall.
The 10-year contract with Spectrum/Charter Communications will cover the city of North Adams and the towns of Adams, Cheshire and Clarksburg.
The hearing in Council Chambers is open to residents of all four communities. In-person attendance is encouraged but a remote option is available here via Zoom.
Topics covered during the hearing will include the future of cable-related community needs and interests (community television) and performance of the operator under the cable license. It does not include internet or other provided services.
The hearing is required under state law as part of the contract renewal process. Any documents or reports relating to the contract can be obtained through the governmental offices of each community.
This spring weekend, there are a variety of events in and around the Berkshires, including Spring Celebrations, music, cleanups, and more.
click for more
More than 300 students from area high schools entered their work in 12th annual Teen Invitational at Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art. click for more
Backed by a $750,000 federal grant for a planning study, North Adams and Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art are looking to undo some of that damage.
click for more
"It wasn't 100 percent consistent but I was afforded the opportunity to get to know other people with different religion, beliefs, backgrounds and culture and to be able to embrace that." click for more