PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire United Way recognized volunteers working to make the community better at the Berkshire Hills Country Club on Tuesday night.

 

"The Live United Community Celebration is our chance to acknowledge and thank and celebrate volunteers and the spirit of volunteerism in Berkshire County and among the ways we do that is to recognize some really, truly incredible people,"  CEO and President Thomas Bernard said. 

 

Although it can feel like volunteers are unsung heroes to the community their time and talent can be seen and heard through echos that reverberate through the Berkshires and "animates everything that we do and everything that makes the Berkshires great," he said. 

 

Among the ways Berkshire United Way celebrates volunteerism is by also recognizing people who have gone above and beyond in their work and who’s impact reverberates through the communities they serve. 

 

The nonprofit awarded the Daniel C. Dillon Helping Hands, Caring Heart Award to Berkshire Athenaeum Director Alex Reczkowski. 

 

Reczkowski embodies the spirit of giving through his work at the library in addition to his volunteer services with local organizations such as the Rotary Club of Pittsfield and with Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity as a volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) tax preparer, Bernard said. 

 

"When I'm standing here I see all of these eyes looking at me, and I hope that what you're seeing here is really a mirror, for you, a reflection because me standing here reflects all of the love and the support and the willingness, the bravery and the courage that I've received from this community. I'm just getting back what I've been getting," Reczkowski said. 

 

The Robert K. Agar Jr. Volunteerism Award was presented to "The Focus Is Our Children" founders Vannessa Guess Slaughter and Manny Slaughter. 

 

For the past 30 years, the Slaughters have been working with young people through mentoring, tutoring, arts, after-school support, dance and athletics. The organization provides children a chance to connect with their peers and their community. 

 

"It's helping young people know that people care, that they're supported, that they're affirmed, and that they have guidance on their path, and people are looking out for them in the community," Bernard said. "Whatever generation you're in, it's tough to be a kid. I think [the Slaughters] and the volunteers that they work with, have shown that as times change, their programs change, but that commitment stays." 

 

Manny Slaughter said a friend once told him that  "somebody has to represent the unrepresented" and he truly believes that is what he and his wife stand for. 

 

"My wife always shared with me day in and day out. When am I gonna grow up, because I just like to kid. I always say what comes from the heart touches my heart and I have a passion for what we do," he said. 

 

His speech almost brought  his wife to tears because she wants everybody to feel what she feels when she dances. 

 

"I comply with that wholeheartedly. He is like a child," she said. "I'm very structured. That is what my husband was talking about. I'm the structure in the house … there will be structure, we will have fun. But it's important that we invest in these children. And they're all so precious. If you just get to know them. They're all so precious."

 

The gathering was attended by community members and volunteers; Pittsfield Mayor Linda Tyer and City Council President Peter Marchetti were among them. 

 

Officials thanked the group's donors and demonstrated how their contribution helped the organization fund initiatives to improve the lives of individuals in the community. 

 

Berkshire United Way helps fund 40 programs that work to improve the quality of life of individuals in trying circumstances. The nonprofit has invested some $1,490,416 to date in early childhood development, positive youth development, and economic prosperity.

 

Community members, workplace employees, and partners throughout Berkshire County joined Berkshire United Way for a month of volunteer activities including meal packaging, earth day projects, and more. Full list here. 

 

"You don't have to be a Berkshire United Way volunteer. Volunteerism happens as simply as shoveling your neighbor's sidewalk, or helping someone with their groceries, to the meal packing events, and the community engagement events … there's so many of those activities and it all is focused on people helping people. And that's powerful," Bernard said.