Market 32 Customers Donate Over 50K Food Bags to Local Pantries

04:08PM / Sunday, January 19, 2025Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Market 32 customers donated over 50,000 pre-packed food bags to local food banks and pantries between Nov. 10, 2024, and Jan. 4, 2025.

A total of 50,902 $10 food bags filled with essential items such as elbow macaroni, peanut butter, canned tuna, and kidney beans were collected to support neighbors in need.

Each store selected a local organization to benefit from the donations, helping address nutrition insecurity in their communities. The initiative, part of the chain's ongoing commitment to community support, directly impacted individuals facing hunger during the holiday season.

"The holiday season brings our blessings to mind but also reminds us that there are alarming numbers of people close to home experiencing nutrition insecurity," said Pam Cerrone, Market 32/Price Chopper director of community relations. "Local food banks and pantries are on the front lines assisting and rely on the generosity of community members. Market 32 and Price Chopper guests are most generous, and we are pleased to have joined with them to support local organizations and make a tangible difference in the lives of the people they serve through this collection."

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New Camp Is Safe Place for Children Suffering Loss to Addiction

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
06:26AM / Saturday, December 27, 2025

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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