Big Y Donates to American Red Cross for California Wildfire Relief

Print Story | Email Story
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Big Y Foods, Inc. has donated $75,000 to the American Red Cross to support relief efforts for those affected by the California wildfires.
 
The funds were raised through customer and employee donations collected from January 17-31, 2025, at Big Y registers, online, and through the myExpress Checkout Mobile app. Big Y also provided additional support to reach the total donation amount.
 
The American Red Cross will use the funds to provide humanitarian relief to those impacted by the wildfires.

Tags: big y,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Pittsfield Council Preview: DEI Office Rename, Playground Grants, and City Audit

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — On Tuesday, the City Council will see a request to rename the DEI office, $80,000 in grants for Williams Elementary School's playground renovation, and a proposal for the city audit.  

The agenda includes a request to amend Chapter 2 of the City Code, renaming the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion the "Office of Equity, Access, and Opportunity." 

"The proposed changes reflect the City's approach to advancing equitable access to municipal programs and services," it reads. 

"The updated name more accurately represents the Office's commitment to removing systemic barriers, promoting opportunity, and ensuring fair treatment of all employees and residents." 

During fiscal year 2027 budget hearings, $5,800 was reduced from the DEI Office: $4,800 from the DEI ambassador line and $1,000 from travel and dues.  

Ward 7 Councilor Kathy Moody asked Mayor Peter Marchetti to consider merging the department with Human Resources, and other councilors supported exploring restructuring the department, though not during budget season. 

The proposed ordinance also establishes the Equity, Access and Opportunity Commission to replace the current Human Rights Commission. 

The Office of Equity, Access, and Opportunity, through the chief equity officer and supporting staff, would develop and implement the policies, programs, and initiatives of the city and Pittsfield Public Schools related to equity, access, and opportunity. 

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories