Market 32/Price Chopper Raises Funds For Red Cross Wildfire Relief

08:01AM / Sunday, March 23, 2025Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Market 32/Price Chopper customers donated $63,338.77 to the American Red Cross California Wildfire Fund. Market 32/Price Chopper contributed an additional $10,000, bringing the total donation to $73,338.77.

According to CAL FIRE, wildfires in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties in January burned 58 square miles and destroyed over 16,000 structures. The wildfires resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people and 29 deaths.

The American Red Cross is providing disaster recovery centers, emergency shelter, meals, emotional support, and financial assistance. Customers were invited to round up their change to support these efforts from January 19 to February 15, 2025.

Blaine Bringhurst, Market 32/Price Chopper president, acknowledged the customer support for the American Red Cross California Wildfire Fund.

Kevin Coffey, Regional Chief Executive Officer, American Red Cross Eastern New York Region, stated that the American Red Cross provided assistance to Southern Californians, including food, shelter, and mental health services. He expressed gratitude to Market 32/Price Chopper and its customers for their support.

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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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