Big Y Donates 1 Million Meals to Regional Food Banks

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SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Big Y's annual Sack Hunger campaign has provided funding for four regional food banks, resulting in the donation of 1 million meals to those in need.
 
The campaign supports local soup kitchens, food pantries, senior food programs, and other organizations that assist communities in Massachusetts and Connecticut.
 
During the past holiday season, Big Y customers and employees contributed to the campaign through $5 donations, with each donation supplying 10 meals. Additional contributions came from proceeds in the Produce, Floral, and Meat departments, as well as sales from Big Y's private label brands. Since its inception in 2010, the Sack Hunger campaign has grown significantly, beginning with just 740 meals donated in its first year.
 
Big Y also provides ongoing support to regional food banks throughout the year, donating fresh produce, meat, bakery goods, and other essential food items. The four food banks benefiting from the campaign are The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Worcester County Food Bank, The Greater Boston Food Bank, and Connecticut Foodshare.
 
"Each year, our customers and employees come together to support families across Massachusetts and Connecticut impacted by food insecurity," said Michael P. D'Amour, President and CEO of Big Y. "We are thankful for the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those in need and appreciate everyone involved in spreading hope throughout our communities."

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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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