BCC Offers Financial Aid Workshop and Drop-in Assistance

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PITTSFIELD, Mass —In advance of the Commonwealth’s July 1, 2024 priority deadline for completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms, Berkshire Community College (BCC) will hold a FAFSA Completion Workshop on Friday, June 21 from 9-11 am in the Financial Aid Office (Room F-139). 
 
To register for the workshop, visit www.berkshirecc.edu/fafsa-workshop.
 
Registration is encouraged but not required; drop-ins are welcome. 
 
Students should bring a copy of their 2022 taxes and their Federal Student Aid (FSA) login information. Those under 24 will need parental information, and parents must also have an FSA login. To create an FSA account or log in to an existing account, visit https://studentaid.gov/.  
 
FAFSA is required for most forms of financial aid, including MassReconnect, the Nursing Scholarship Program and BCC Foundation Scholarships. The July 1 deadline, an extension of the original May 1 deadline, is considered a “priority deadline,” meaning students may file after this date but may not have access to funding sources available before July 1. 
 
BCC students may also get financial aid assistance any time by visiting the One Stop center
Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm. Appointments are not required. 
 
For more information, call the One Stop office at (413) 499-4660 or email onestop@berkshirecc.edu
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Thanksgiving Angels Show Up for Increased Need

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

Cole, 6, and Trey, 3, stock bread for the Thanksgiving Angels in this provided photo.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — As the cost of living continues to rise, so does the need for Thanksgiving Angels.

The meal kit distribution effort has surpassed last year's numbers, serving more than 2,200 local families in need. Around 500 volunteers have helped with the entire process and on Monday, around 100 volunteers packed into the South Congregational Church for drive-through distribution.

Generosity is the engine that has powered Thanksgiving Angels for around 15 years.

"The community is so incredibly generous with financials and their time and helping us to pull this off," co-Chair Gretchen DeBartolo said.

"… it's a lot of hands, an awful lot of hands, and without that, there'd be nothing."

There were about 600 home deliveries over the weekend for the elderly, those with disabilities, and those without a vehicle.

"People have been generous with in-kind donations and with money," co-Chair Hope Amandos said.

"I think we will be able to cover our expenses. I think we did well with donations."

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