Market 32 Fundraising Campaign for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Price Chopper/Market 32 is raising funds for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. 
 
During the month of October, customers can round up their change at the checkout, 100 percent of which will go directly to local Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. Price Chopper will match all donations, up to $10,000.
 
Children's Miracle Network Hospitals helps fund life-saving treatments, innovative research, vital medical equipment, and comforting child life services at 170 children's hospitals across the U.S. and Canada. The following hospitals, local to Price Chopper and Market 32 customers, are part of the network: Bernard & Millie Duker Children's Hospital at Albany Medical Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Connecticut Children's Medical Center in Hartford, Geisinger Janet Weis Children's Hospital in Mechanicsville, PA, Maria Fareri Children's Hospital in Valhalla, NY, Mohawk Valley Health System in Utica, NY, Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown, NY, The University of Vermont Children's Hospital in Burlington, VT, and Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital in Syracuse, NY.
 
"We are pleased to join with our customers and teammates to continue to fuel Children's Miracle Network Hospitals as they lead the way in funding life-saving treatments, education, and research, and changing kids' health by providing member hospitals with the critical funding that is needed," said Pam Cerrone, Price Chopper/Market 32's director of community relations.
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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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