South Community Food Pantry Holiday Gift Card Fundraiser

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The South Community Food Pantry announced its Holiday Gift Card Fundraiser, a campaign to provide local families in need with gift cards to a local grocery store this holiday season. 
 
The pantry will be closed for several days during the holiday weeks to allow volunteers to enjoy time with their loved ones, and these gift cards will ensure that families have access to food during this time.
 
Thanks to the Gilson Family Foundation, all donations to the Holiday Gift Card Fundraiser will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $15,000. This means that every donation will have double the impact in helping the pantry reach its goal.
 
"We are incredibly grateful to the Gilson Family Foundation for their generous support," said Joan Morgan of the South Community Food Pantry. "This matching gift opportunity will allow us to provide even more families with the resources they need to enjoy a happy and healthy holiday season."
 
The South Community Food Pantry is a vital resource for the community, providing food assistance to those in need. The Holiday Gift Card Fundraiser allows the community to unite and support this vital cause.
 
To donate to the Holiday Gift Card Fundraiser, please visit: www.southcommunityfoodpantry.org or mail a check to: PO Box 28, Pittsfield, MA 01202
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Pittsfield Man Pleads Guilty to 2025 Assault, Firearm Charges

Staff ReportsiBerkshires

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A city man is facing up to nine years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple assault and firearm charges from last year. 

The Berkshire District Attorney's Office has reported that on Thursday, Oct. 15, Jarvis L. Chadwell Jr., 20, pleaded guilty to 10 charges and was sentenced to 7 to 9 years in state prison following an incident on Oct. 18, 2025.

Police say that he fired a gun multiple times in a vehicle over an argument, striking the car and nearby home.  

"This incident was not just alarming because there was gun violence, but also because it occurred in such close proximity to a school. I will not waver on my stance towards gun violence in our community — gun violence must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," District Attorney Timothy Shugrue said. 

"While I am committed to supporting those who need our help with recovery options and courts of hope, we must also protect our children and communities from the threat of violence that can claim lives in an instant. I commend the Pittsfield Police for their response and dedication to quickly solving this crime."

This occurred near Morningside Community School, which was retired at the end of the last academic year. 

Charges: 

  • armed assault with intent to murder
  • attempted assault & battery by discharging a firearm
  • witness intimidation
  • malicious destruction of property
  • resisting arrest
  • assault and battery on a police officer
  • illegal possession of a firearm
  • illegal possession of a large capacity feeding device
  • possession of ammunition without a firearm identification card 
  • possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony

Probation conditions include a mental health evaluation and aftercare; sign any releases required by probation; and refrain from abuse of the named victim, including threats of violence.

Pittsfield Police responded to a ShotSpotter activation at 65 Cherry St. just before 1 a.m. on that day in 2025. Upon arrival, police say witnesses confirmed hearing a gunshot and observing a man fleeing the area.

"While outside the 65 Cherry Street residence, officers observed a vehicle parked near the neighboring residence with a bullet hole in the windshield and an additional bullet hole in the side of 67 Cherry Street. Based on witness descriptions at the scene, law enforcement was able to quickly locate the Defendant within 30 minutes of the incident," a press release from the DA reads. 

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