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Date: 11/11/2020
EASTHAMPTON – We’re approaching that time of year again as we watch the orange leaves turn to white snow and the temperature meters drop below freezing. While many may be dreading the winter season, local nonprofits are working hard to prepare for the chill.
The Easthampton Community Center, partnered with The Easthampton Council on Aging, are collecting hats, mittens, coats, blankets, and any other warm items for those in need. For a number of years, people have been donating in order to help members of the community.
Robin Bialecki, director and food pantry/kitchen coordinator at Easthampton Community Center said, “We operate a food pantry with just under 2,000 families; about 9,000 people a month. Every week, they come and get food.”
Similarly, the Easthampton Council on Aging provides services to people over the age of 55. Dawn Graichen-Moore, Activity Coordinator, informed, “We do many activities and outreach programs for seniors in the community.”
This year in particular, people are struggling due to COVID. They are unable to go inside these buildings, as services are either provided outside or delivered. Graichen-Moore stated, “Once the pandemic hit, we have been doing take and go meals that are pre-made, two times a week. We work to make sure they have food and connections.” The Council on Aging has also been helping the Easthampton Community Center deliver to seniors on Thursdays.
With many businesses closed and layoffs made, these non-profits want to ensure that people have still have opportunities. Bialecki stated, “As the oil costs increase, we want to make sure that people are staying warm.”
This is the third year the Council on Aging has participated and they have seen great success in the past. “Everyone wants to help people out. There are lots of knitters in the community who make beautiful items such as hats and they share that with others.”
Both organizations are in collaboration with other nonprofits. These include a number agency to Hampshire County Way, Greater Easthampton Chamber of Commerce and the Food Bank Pantry of Massachusetts. They are also a partner to R.S.V.P. in Northampton, a senior volunteer connector that covers all of Hampshire County.
Collection of winter coats has already begun. Bins will be placed outside Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., until Dec. 18. Besides clothing items, warm meals such as soups and stews are also accepted.
“It’s a very nice way to connect the community because it gives them a project and something to work towards,” said Graichen-Moore. Based on the expectancy of a large turnout, items will also be shared with the Wright Home for Women and other facilities. “The more we have the better,” she said.
Additional information on donations can be found on their Facebook pages and by visiting easthamptoncouncilonaging.org and easthamptoncommunitycenter.org.