Co-op Supports Berkshire Nonprofits with Cash Cube Events

02:49PM / Friday, January 02, 2026Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Pittsfield Cooperative Bank (Co-op Bank) successfully concluded its year-end community giving initiative, combining direct donations with interactive "Where's the Action Cash Cube" events to benefit local nonprofits across Berkshire County this holiday season.

Each participating not-for-profit organization received a $500 contribution from Co-op Bank, along with an on-site Cash Cube visit that gave them the opportunity to catch up to an additional $500.

All events were held at the nonprofits' locations and shared on Co-op Bank's social media channels to spotlight the essential services they provide throughout the region.

Through the Cash Cube events, the nonprofits grabbed the following additional amounts:

Pittsfield Community Food Pantry: $75
UCP of Western Massachusetts: $87
Christian Center of Pittsfield: $187
BC Arc: $151
Girl's Inc of the Berkshires: $219
Elder Services: $137
BFAIR: $394
Berkshire Choral International: $211
Hinsdale Food Pantry: $231

"These events were more than just moments of enjoyment, they created meaningful opportunities for our members to feel seen, valued, and connected to the broader community, while also shining a light on the important work happening every day," said Randy Kinnas, CEO of UCP of Western Massachusetts. "The support from Co-op Bank, both financial and through visibility, helps strengthen our ability to serve individuals and families throughout the Berkshires."

Co-op Bank contributed $4,500 in direct donations, with an additional $1,692 raised through the Cash Cube events, bringing the total combined contribution to $6,192 in support of Berkshire County nonprofits in December.

"We are incredibly grateful to Co-op Bank for their Cash Cube initiative and for their generosity in supporting our mission. Watching our staff and students rally behind Abby was a powerful reminder of the community spirit that helps to define the Brigham Center. Congratulations to Abby on raising an additional $219, each dollar raised strengthens our ability to support children and families in our community," said Girls Inc. CEO, Kelly Marion.

In total, Co-op Bank's year-end initiative reinforced its commitment to investing in local organizations that strengthen Berkshire County and improve quality of life for residents across the region.

"Our nonprofit partners are addressing some of the most critical needs in Berkshire County, from food security and housing stability to arts, early childhood development, education, and human services," said Gregg Levante, President of Co-op Bank. "The Cash Cube events brought a little holiday cheer while highlighting organizations that truly make a difference. Supporting them is core to who we are as a community bank."

Tags: pittsfield cooperative bank,

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Pittsfield Council Revisiting DEI Office Restructure

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
04:11PM / Tuesday, October 13, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The conversation about the DEI office renaming that was halted by a charter objection will resume on Tuesday.

The City Council will discuss a request from Mayor Peter Marchetti to restructure the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

It proposes to rename the DEI office to the Office of Equity, Access, and Opportunity and merge the Human Rights Commission and Affirmative Action Committee into an Equity, Access and Opportunity Commission.

The Ordinance and Rules Subcommittee supported the changes in August, and in September, Ward 2 Councilor Cameron Cunningham delayed the vote with a charter objection.

Pittsfield's City Code prohibits charter states that "if a single member present objects to the taking of the vote, the vote shall be postponed until the next meeting of the city council." It also stipulates that at least four members must object if it is an emergency measure.

Cunningham also submitted a petition, which was referred to O&R under Rule 27, to replace the DEI Office and the Human Rights Commission with an equity, access, and opportunity coordinator in the Department of Community Development, with formal complaints and Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action functions assigned to Human Resources.

At the last meeting, he spent more than an hour querying the mayor and chief diversity officer about functions and effectiveness of the department, wanting more quantitative data. Cunningham proposed an ordinance that he says keeps Pittsfield's commitment to equity, access, and opportunity, "refocuses it on measurable results for our residents, and delivers it at a fraction of the current cost."

Under this petition, the equity, access, and opportunity coordinator would be a $60,000 to $80,000 per year position.

The DEI Office's fiscal year 2027 budget was about $200,000 after cuts during budget season; $106,700 for the chief diversity officer and $58,000 for the administrative assistant. The coordinator would be appointed by the director of community development and the mayor.

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