Market 32 Red Kettle Campaign Raises Money for Salvation Army

11:24AM / Saturday, March 29, 2025Print Story | Email Story

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. — Market 32/Price Chopper stores announced that $618,000 was raised during the Salvation Army's Red Kettle campaign, which took place over six weeks in November and December 2024.

Bell ringers were stationed at store locations across New York, Vermont, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.

The funds collected are designated to support Salvation Army programs that provide food assistance, shelter, and emergency relief services.

Pam Cerrone, Director of Community Relations for Market 32/Price Chopper, stated:

"Every donation made at our stores has a direct impact, allowing The Salvation Army to provide hope and assistance to those who need it most. We're proud of our longstanding partnership and incredibly grateful to our customers for stepping up and supporting their important work and making a difference in the lives of so many."

Major Kevin Stoops, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army, Empire State Division, indicated:

"Our continued Red Kettle partnership with Price Chopper and Market 32, and the continued generosity of their customers and bell ringing volunteers makes it possible for The Salvation Army to help those most in need throughout the year. The funds raised in the Red Kettles stay in the local communities to support families and individuals through Salvation Army programs and services like food pantries, holiday and emergency assistance programs, youth and senior programs, and more. Thank you to everyone who played a part in making this Red Kettle campaign a success."

Tags: Salvation Army,

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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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