Co-op Supports Berkshire Nonprofits with Cash Cube Events

Print 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,   

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

Dalton Board Continues Delay on Mobile Tiny Home Bylaw

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — For nearly two years, Amy Turnbull has been trying to amend the current Accessory Dwelling Units bylaws to include mobile tiny homes. 
 
A movable tiny home is defined as a unit under 400 square feet that meets all of someone's daily needs, including sanitation, cooking, and other facilities, and which is also mobile.
 
The item has been on the Planning Board's agenda for nearly every meeting. However, every time it comes up, the board tables it citing too many unanswered questions that need to be addressed first. 
 
"It's been two years. It's ridiculous how long you guys have sat on this. It's unacceptable in a housing crisis to go so long," Turnbull said during a heated Planning Board meeting in December after they voted to table the item again. 
 
During the meeting she read from the town's Housing Needs Assessment which demonstrates how a little more than a quarter of the town's population are seniors, which is projected to increase to a third in 10 years. 
 
"The vast majority of this age cohort are homeowners. A common trend seen throughout Berkshire County is seniors who want to "age in place" but due to physical limitations cannot maintain their homes, so they are forced to relocate," she read. 
 
"Most homes in Dalton are three bedrooms, which is beyond the needs of most seniors. And,
there are no current rental options available for seniors who may want to relocate to a smaller, more manageable home. The financial burdens of homeownership have risen, denying such owners the likely ability to have financial security, especially if a senior has limited income based primarily on Social Security." 
View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories