Market 32 Announces Salvation Army Holiday Kettle Donation Program Results

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SCHENECTADY, N.Y. — Salvation Army bellringers at Price Chopper/Market 32 stores in New York, Vermont, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire raised nearly $580,000 through its six week "Red Kettle" holiday campaign. 
 
The money raised, a full $81,000 more than last year, will directly benefit those in need throughout the communities where the funds were collected.
 
"The annual Red Kettle campaign has become an integral part of the holiday season – both in our stores and our communities," said Pam Cerrone, Price Chopper/Market 32 director of community relations. "Being able to extend ourselves and welcome our community partners in support of friends and neighbors in need is a blessing."
 
The Salvation Army and Price Chopper/Market 32 have been collaborative partners in the communities they serve for more than 35 years.
 
"The Salvation Army is incredibly thankful for its continuing partnership with Price Chopper/Market 32 stores," said Major Kevin Stoops, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army, Empire State Division. "Each Christmas season, Salvation Army Red Kettles located in front of these stores raise money, which helps The Salvation Army provide food, clothing, and many other services to local families and individuals in need throughout the year. Thank you to our generous partners and donors for helping to make real change happen in the lives of others."
 
 
 
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New Camp Is Safe Place for Children Suffering Loss to Addiction

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

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.
 
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