Toys for Tots Meeting Increased Community Need This Holiday Season

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Toys for Tots has well over 200 collection boxes out in the county this year for children in need.

The toy collection program accepts new, unwrapped toys for ages newborn to 14 years old in the months of October, November, and December so that no local kid goes without.

Berkshire County coordinator Christopher Keegan, who works in the maintenance department at the Berkshire County House of Correction, has been leading the effort for eight years now and has seen the hardships go up with rising costs of living.

"The need has gone up each year," he said.

As a person who has worked in the community his entire adult life, Keegan has seen that the people of Berkshire County are great at rallying around a cause. Last year's donations were "overwhelming," he reported.

This year, many have donated toys for younger children but the toy drive needs more donations for boys and girls ages 11 to 14. Even though the "very soft" deadline was earlier this week, donations can still be accepted and the Toys for Tots shoppers are still working.

Keegan's yearly goal is to honor every request for toys.

"We just adjust to the need," he said.

There are around 70 families signed up to receive toys this year and the program also works with about 15 local organizations including 18 Degrees, the Elizabeth Freeman Center, and the Pittsfield and North Adams Salvation Army.

Toys for Tots also has a wealth of returning volunteers who help sort, shop and deliver the toys. Keegan said the Berkshire County House of Correction's warehouse, where the donations are stored, has been buzzing with people.

At the end of September, there was a successful Toys for Tots musical bingo fundraiser at the Berkshire Hills Country Club. Community members also take it upon themselves to host toy drives and fundraisers.

The toy drive began in 1947 in Los Angeles. It was spearheaded by Marine Reserve Maj. William Hendricks and became a nationwide campaign in 1948.  

To donate by check, make payable to:
Marine Corps League Pittsfield Detachment 137

Mail Checks To:
Berkshire County Sheriff's Office
C/O Christopher Keegan
467 Cheshire Road
Pittsfield, MA 01201

New Camp Is Safe Place for Children Suffering Loss to Addiction

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
06:26AM / Saturday, December 27, 2025

Last year's Happy Campers courtesy of Max Tabakin.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A new camp is offering a safe place for children who have lost a parent or guardian to addiction. 

 

Director Gayle Saks founded the nonprofit "Camp Happy Place" last year. The first camp was held in June with 14 children.

 

Saks is a licensed drug and alcohol counselor who works at the Brien Center. One of her final projects when studying was how to involve youth, and a camp came to mind. Camp had been her "happy place" growing up, and it became her dream to open her own.

 

"I keep a bucket list in my wallet, and it's right on here on this list, and I cross off things that I've accomplished," she said. "But it is the one thing on here that I knew I had to do."

 

The overnight co-ed camp is held at a summer camp in Winsted, Conn., where Saks spent her summers as a child. It is four nights and five days and completely free. Transportation is included as are many of the items needed for camping. The camp takes up to 30 children.

 

"I really don't think there's any place that exists specifically for this population. I think it's important to know, we've said this, but that it is not a therapeutic camp," Saks said.

 

She said the focus is on fun for the children, though they are able to talk to any of the volunteer and trained staff. The staff all have experience in social work, addiction and counseling, and working with children.