NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Trial Court is holding its 8th annual Cultural Appreciation Week this week and will be collecting non-perishable food items for the Al Nelson Friendship Center Pantry on Eagle Street.

 

Collection boxes have been set up at Northern Berkshire District Court. Court-users, court employees, and members of the general public are welcome to participate by dropping off non-perishable food items.

 

The drive coincides with Cultural Appreciation Week, which this year has the theme "Diverse Threads, One Tapestry-Strength of Connections."

 

"The courts and probation are part of the community and as neighbors we want to make sure that we address the needs of people living here. Coordinating this food drive is something we we wanted to do to give back and help those who are food insecure," said Chief Donald Wright.

 

Northern Berkshire is one of more than 70 courts that will celebrate culture and diversity in the courts and community. This statewide celebration in the courts in community is believed to be the largest of its kind in any U.S. court system.

 

A celebration was to be held Thursday, Oct. 24, at Northern Berkshire District Court. The event included Berkshire Juvenile Court and the Pittsfield Community Justice Resource Center and Pretrial Services Unit. State, local, court, education leaders addressed the  audience, local school children perform and cultural dishes.

 

The following is a list of the most needed items:

 

Ground regular coffee

Vegetable stock

Canned Black Beans

64-ounce juice bottles

Biscuit mix

Chicken stock

Canned kidney beans

Olive oil

Beef stock

Lemon juice

Diced tomatoes

Canned chickpeas