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Police Officer Darren Derby drops off donations at Christian Center.
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The Christian Center's Pat Masoero does her best Easter Bunny impression in preparation of handing out Easter baskets to local children on Friday.
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The Salvation Army's Captains Justin and Marsha Barter with Police Officers Darren Derby and Ansy Jumeau, and Judy Forrest, in the van.

Pittsfield Organizations Distribute Easter Baskets to Kids

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
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Food Director Karen Ryan, left, and Financial Director Pat Masoero at the Christian Center.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Easter came early this year for Pittsfield kids.
 
There were smiles all around the Christian Center on Friday as staff handed out more than 100 Easter baskets to children containing items such as candy, stuffed animals, and stickers.
 
At the same time, the center distributed winter coats to anyone interested.
 
Financial Director Pat Masoero was dressed head-to-toe Easter Bunny attire and Food Director Karen Ryan sported a pair of bunny ears as well.
 
Masoero explained that they usually have a larger celebration including an egg hunt and cookie decorating but were not able to host the in-person events because of COVID-19. Regardless, she wanted to make sure that the center provided joy to local children on the holiday.
 
"We're excited to see the kids coming," she said, adding that they have received a lot of interest on Facebook when they announced the event.
 
The event lined up perfectly with Pittsfield Public School's calendar, as students enjoyed a day off in recognition of Good Friday.
 
"It's really kind of fun, there were tables all over the place one for painting, one for doing a craft, one for cookie decorating," Masoero said reflecting on celebrations of previous years. "We had different stations for kids like six at a table, it's been wonderful, but obviously, this year it's different, so we said, 'we can still do baskets' and then today there's no school in the city, so it's perfect."
 
The Pittsfield Police Department and The Salvation Army also generated cheer on Friday.
 
Pittsfield Police Officer Darren Derby and fellow Officer Ansy Jumeau sported bunny ears when they partnered with the organization to deliver 75 Easter baskets around the city. Derby is well known for his fun and charitable interactions with the public.
 
The Salvation Army's Captains Justin and Marsha Barter and Judy Forrest accompanied the officers and transported the goodies to three locations in the charitable nonprofit's mobile kitchen vehicle.  
 
They started at Berkshire Peak Apartments on West Street, made their way to Side By Side assisted living center on Onota Street, and ended at Dower Square Apartments on Waconah Street.
 
"[The Salvation Army] had all of the baskets and asked if I could team up with them with our community outreach team," Derby said. "So with our nonprofit, we bought all the chocolate and Easter candy stuff."
 
Derby and Jumeau also stopped by the Christian Center to show their support to fellow community members making smiles on a cold April day.

Tags: Easter,   

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Five People Displaced by Pittsfield Fire

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Five people were displaced and one taken to the hospital from a fire on Alcove Street on Friday. 
 
A report by Deputy Chief Ron Clement said three engines, Truck 2 and Car 2 responded to the report a structure fire at 18 Alcove, and found smoke coming from a second-story window. 
 
Crews from Engine 5 entering the residence found heavy fire on the second floor that was brought under control within 30 minutes. All companies participated in search, ventilation and overhaul efforts. 
 
One man was home at the time and taken to Berkshire Medical Center for possible smoke inhalation. No firefighter injuries were reported. 
 
The four others occupants of the single-family home were not there at the time of the fire. They were not able to return to the house but did have alternative housing, wrote Clement.
 
The fire is being investigated by the Fire Department's Investigation Unit.
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