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Marilyn Cavallari presents BCAC's Aleta Monchecci with a check for $776 raised by area artists for the Elf warm clothing program.

Berkshire Artists Raise Money for Elf Program

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WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — A number of local artists raised nearly $800 for the Berkshire Community Action Council's Elf Program. 
 
The benefit art show and reception was held recently at Gramercy Bistro on Water Street. Featured artists included Marilyn Cavallari, Kathryn Benson, Liz Cunningham, Stephen Dankner, Ellen Joffe Halpern, Jane Hudson, Kaye Shaddock and Mary Weissbrodt.
 
"I wanted to raise at least a thousand and we came close," Cavallari said, who presented a check for $776 to Aleta Moncecchi, the program's deputy director for Northern Berkshire.
 
The Elf Program has been providing warm winter clothes for area children in need for many years. Children age 12 and younger get a new coat, hat, mittens, scarves a winter outfit or pajamas. The program served more than 2,000 children in the Berkshire last year. 
 

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St. Stan's Students Spread Holiday Cheer at Williamstown Commons

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Students from St. Stanislaus Kostka School  in Adams brought the holiday spirit to Williamstown Commons on Thursday, delivering handmade Christmas cards and leading residents in a community caroling session.
 
"It honestly means the world to us because it means the world to them," said nursing home Administrator Alex Fox on Thursday morning. "This made their days. This could have even made their weeks. It could have made their Christmas, seeing the children and interacting with the community."
 
Teacher Kate Mendonca said this is the first year her class has visited the facility, noting that the initiative was driven entirely by the students.
 
"This came from the kids. They said they wanted to create something and give back," Mendonca said. "We want our students involved in the community instead of just reading from a religion book."
 
Preparation for the event began in early December, with students crafting bells to accompany their singing. The handmade cards were completed last week.
 
"It's important for them to know that it's not just about them during Christmas," Mendonca said. "It's about everyone, for sure. I hope that they know they really helped a lot of people today and hopefully it brought joy to the residents here."
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