MountainOne Thankful 5K to Benefit Local Food Pantries

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PITTSFIELD, Mass.— MountainOne will partner with Berkshire Running Foundation, the charitable arm of the Berkshire Running Center, as the lead sponsor of its 9th annual Thankful 5K.
 
The run/walk will be held on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28, at Berkshire Community College, located at 1350 West Street in Pittsfield, starting at 9 a.m.
 
All proceeds and donations of food from the fundraising event directly benefit South Community Church's local food pantries and its Fuel Assistance Fund. Pittsfield pantries serve the largest population in Western Massachusetts, with over 800 families receiving assistance weekly, a number that continues to grow.
 
"We're proud to support this event and to see it carry the MountainOne name," said Jonathan Denmark, President & COO of MountainOne Insurance. "The MountainOne Thankful 5K has become a meaningful tradition in our community, helping to provide food and resources to local families in need. It's a wonderful way to start Thanksgiving Day by giving back together."
 
Community members are encouraged to register for the MountainOne Thankful 5K and to bring non-perishable food donations to Berkshire Running Center at 5 Cheshire Road in Pittsfield by November 22 or on the morning of the event. For more information, including registration details, visit www.berkshirerun.org/thankful-5k/
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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