NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The North Adams Movieplex will host its annual "Five for Free" food drive on Thursday.

 

Theater officials say its a great way to get into the holiday spirit by helping those in need and enjoying some time at the movies.

 

"It helps the community and we don't want to just be in the community, we want to be part of the community," theater manager Scott Ingalls said. "Especially this time of a year when people need it."

 

Ingalls said those who bring in five nonperishable food items on Thursday between 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. will be admitted to the movie of their choice.

 

"People can just come in and bring five nonperishable food items," he said. "They choose the movie of their choice and we let them in and they enjoy the movie."

 

Ingalls said people can donate Wednesday or Thursday and receive a large popcorn if they aren't interested in watching a movie. 

 

All the food collected will be given to the Berkshire Dream Center, a religious charitable organization that operates a food pantry at Living Hope Community Church on River Street.

 

"We are happy to partner with the Dream Center and they do a great job," he said. "They disperse it to local families in need." 

 

Ingalls said the North Adams Movieplex has held this holiday food drive for the past seven years and is dedicated to serving the community — especially around the holidays.

 

"Everybody needs something and we want to give back and do what we can do," he said. "People are especially in need here and we want to help."