Through the collaborative efforts of Berkshire United Way, Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center, Greylock Federal Credit Union, community partner/Lenox parent Brianne Lamke and Lenox teacher Heather McNeice, a community clothing drive was held MLK Day weekend. Donations were dropped off on January 13, and sorted and organized. The community was invited to shop for free on January 15, MLK Day. Since the amount of donations was more than could be put out, many bags were handed off to other organizations who will make sure the community benefits from this clothing drive beyond the one day shopping event.
Brianne brought the idea to Heather, who was thinking of a service project for her "Strategies for Success" class, and together they reached out to BUW's Brenda Petell, who coordinated with the Brigham Center for space and used our online volunteer center to coordinate the volunteer effort. Among the volunteers throughout the weekend, the biggest faction were students – from Lenox and Pittsfield schools, a few from north county, participants in the Girls Inc. Eureka! program, and the Latinx Club at Lenox High School. Students helped set up; collect, sort and organize; and assist during the shopping day. Students in the Latinx Club helped translate for shoppers.
Greylock Federal Credit Union was a sponsor, but also volunteered and handed out food items to shoppers. Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier helped out on MLK Day.
Read more from the Berkshire Eagle and iberkshires.
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Berkshire Eagle: Students learn the value of service at Martin Luther King Jr. Day clothing drive at the Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center
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Berkshire Eagle: At a clothing drive on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Latinx students from Lenox Memorial High School broke down the language barrier
- Berkshire Eagle: Photos: Donations flood in for MLK Day Community Clothing Drive
Click image to view the MLK Community Clothing Drive gallery
